Switzerland is still trying to remain neutral about a new package of sanctions against Russia issued by the European Union. The country has not adopted the package yet but this cannot last long. The local authorities said that the country might have to approve the new restrictions by the end of August.
The official position of Switzerland’s government was expressed by Fabian Maienfisch, a spokesman of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs. At present, the country is not ready to join the EU sanction policy against Russia as it needs time to evaluate possible consequences. He also added that the government would discuss and take a decision on the issue in due time that is by the end of August. Disagreement on the list of individuals under sanctions has become the main problem. Fabian Maienfisch has explained that Switzerland approved only a new list of persons under sanctions as it could be quickly adopted. He also added that all other EU measures should be first enacted by Swiss legislation and discussed by the Federal Council.
Earlier, Switzerland significantly expanded sanctions against Russia. It put 71 individuals and 33 Russian organizations on the list. The authorities specified that the assets of these individuals and entities in the country should be frozen and reported to the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). In addition, they will also be banned from entering or transiting Switzerland.
