Belgian hygiene products manufacturer Drylock Technologies is continuing operations in Russia's Alabuga Special Economic Zone, a key drone production site, past the EU-mandated exit deadline of January 25, 2026. The company is seeking an exception from the Belgian government, which has not yet granted any such derogations.
The continued operation of Drylock Technologies in a Russian defense hub past an EU sanctions deadline raises concerns about sanctions circumvention and highlights the challenges in enforcing EU restrictions on companies with Russian operations.
Belgian hygiene products manufacturer Drylock Technologies continues to operate within Russia's Alabuga Special Economic Zone, a site designated for defense production, despite the European Union's requirement for companies to exit by January 25, 2026. The company is reportedly in discussions with the Belgian government to secure an exception, but no such derogations have been granted by the Federal Public Service Economy (FPS Economy) to any Belgian firm.
According to an FPS Economy spokesperson, any exceptions are assessed strictly on a case-by-case basis, requiring applicants to demonstrate that their activities are essential for purposes explicitly listed in the regulation. The spokesperson noted that a civil or hygienic purpose is insufficient grounds for an exception, especially given Alabuga's known role in manufacturing Shahed drones used against Ukraine.
EU Sanctions Envoy David O'Sullivan previously highlighted Alabuga's significance in Russia's drone program and emphasized that sanctions circumvention is a criminal offense, with enforcement falling to national authorities. Months after initial reports revealed Drylock's Russian subsidiary publicly supported employees joining the war and posted pro-military messages on social media, these activities have continued.
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