EU Blocks MasterCard for Two Belarusian Banks: What Stops Working on April 21

MasterCard Services Suspended

According to Главком: Starting April 21, 2023, the European Union has halted MasterCard transactions for two Belarusian financial institutions-Alfa-Bank and Belgazprombank. This means that payments using these cards will no longer be accepted in physical stores or online shops registered across Europe. The ban affects dozens of countries, including:

• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Poland
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Sweden

In these nations, cardholders from the two banks cannot make purchases, withdraw cash from ATMs, or process transfers. This follows an earlier move on March 18, 2023, when Visa services for Alfa-Bank and Belgazprombank were also suspended across the EU, the UK, and several other European countries.

Financial Impact on Customers

To ease the burden, Alfa-Bank has waived fees for withdrawing personal funds abroad until June 16 and is offering free transfers to cards from other Belarusian banks. Meanwhile, Belgazprombank has confirmed a complete halt of MasterCard operations within the EU, including online payments. These actions continue to limit the financial capabilities of clients from both banks while traveling or conducting business in Europe.

These restrictions are part of a broader European Union strategy to increase economic pressure on Belarus in response to political developments and human rights violations in the country. The loss of access to international payment systems significantly complicates the financial situation for Belarusian citizens relying on these banks. It also risks further isolating Belarus’s economy from European markets.