Bern, 22 December 2023
On 21 December the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) further expanded its sanctions listings against Russia. This brings Switzerland in line with the additional sanctions listings decided by the EU in response to Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine. The changes took effect at 6pm on 21 December. The Federal Council was informed of the latest developments on 22 December.
As part of a 12th package of sanctions adopted on 18 December, the EU imposed new measures in response to Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine and continued acts of destabilisation, which undermine Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and security. In turn, on 21 December the EAER imposed sanctions within its jurisdiction on a further 61 individuals and 86 entities.
Among the newly sanctioned individuals are members of the Belarusian armed forces, leaders of companies supporting Russia’s military and industrial capabilities, and members of the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation. The newly sanctioned entities are primarily Russian companies operating in the defence sector.
The EU’s 12th package of sanctions from 18 December also provides for various other measures, including a phased ban on imports of diamonds from or originating in Russia. Imports of diamonds of Russian origin to Switzerland have in any case fallen sharply since the onset of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. At this stage, there are no longer any direct imports of natural or synthetic diamonds from Russia to Switzerland.
The Federal Council was informed of these measures by the head of the EAER at its meeting on 22 December. It will in due course address the possibility of adopting the new sanctions.
Furthermore, the EAER welcomes the EU’s decision to add Switzerland to a list of partner countries for imports of iron and steel. Switzerland’s various restrictions on imports of iron and steel are equivalent to those of the EU. This decision by the EU comes as further confirmation of its close partnership with Switzerland in the area of sanctions.
Source – Swiss Government