Switzerland fully joins EU's 15th package of sanctions against Russia

The Swiss Federal Council has adopted the remaining restrictive measures against Russia as part of the European Union’s 15th package of sanctions, approved in December 2024.

According to the Swiss government, these measures will come into force on 13 February. Previously, Switzerland had already added 54 individuals and 30 legal entities to its sanctions list against Russia.

At the meeting on 12 February, the Federal Council decided to implement further measures from the EU’s 15th sanctions package against Russia.

Under the new restrictions, recognising and enforcing certain Russian court rulings will be prohibited, specifically those asserting exclusive jurisdiction over disputes between Russian and Swiss companies.

This ban aims to protect Swiss companies’ rights and shield them from unjustified financial losses.

The amendments also include the extension of various exemption provisions, allowing Swiss companies to withdraw investments from Russia in an orderly manner.

On 16 December 2024, the EU Council adopted its 15th package of sanctions against Russia. Among other measures, 52 vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet were banned from accessing ports and certain services.

In December 2024, the EU imposed sanctions in response to Russian hybrid threats for the first time.