Switzerland joins EU's 15th sanctions package against Russia and restrictions on Belarus

The Swiss government decided to join the European Union's 15th package of sanctions against Russia, which was adopted on 16 December, as well as the measures against Belarus.

The statement specifies that the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) of Switzerland, as the competent authority on sanctions, has expanded the list of sanctions against Russia and Belarus.

"Switzerland is thus adopting the additional sanctions decided by the EU in response to Russia’s continuing military aggression against Ukraine and the situation in Belarus. The changes will take effect on 24 December," the statement emphasised.

Furthermore, as noted by Switzerland, the sanctioned individuals will also be subject to a ban on entry and transit through the country.

"The EAER has further adopted the individual financial sanctions that the EU has imposed on Belarus as part of its sanctions regime against the country due to the situation there," the statement added.

On 16 December, the EU Council approved the 15th sanctions package against Russia. Specifically, 52 vessels from Russia's shadow fleet were sanctioned with a ban on access to ports and certain services.

Additionally, in December, the EU introduced sanctions for the first time in response to Russia's destabilising activities abroad.

Later, the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag reported that the EU plans to adopt the next sanctions package against Russia on 24 February, marking the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.