Ukraine: Federal Council applies 18th EU sanctions package
Berne, 29.10.2025 — On 29 October, the Federal Council decided that Switzerland will adopt further measures from the European Union's 18th package of sanctions against Russia, as well as the EU's additional measures against Belarus. The new measures focus on trade in goods and the financial and energy sectors and will take effect on 30 October.
In response to Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine, the EU adopted new measures against Russia on 18 July as part of its 18th sanctions package. On 12 August, the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) implemented the measures within its authority, adding 14 individuals and 41 entities to the lists of those subject to asset freezing measures and a ban on the provision of economic resources. The EAER also placed 105 additional third-country vessels under a ban on purchase, sale and servicing, imposed stricter export controls on 26 new entities, and lowered the price cap on Russian crude oil.
Measures targeting trade in goods
The Federal Council's decision of 29 October further tightens export restrictions on goods that might strengthen Russian industry and contribute to Russia's military and technological enhancement. The export restrictions now cover additional items including constituent chemicals for propellants and certain metals and plastics. At the same time, the Federal Council introduced a new administrative mechanism to strengthen the effectiveness of measures to combat circumvention via third countries. Specifically, this enables SECO to alert exporters to possible circumvention transactions and to require that planned exports undergo prior authorisation and review by SECO.
Measures targeting the financial sector
In its decision of 29 October, the Federal Council also transformed the existing ban on the provision of specialised financial messaging services with 23 Russian banks into a full transaction ban, and added 22 more banks to the list of entities subject to it. Furthermore, the ban on investing in projects co-financed by the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), in place since 4 March 2022, has been extended to a complete ban on all transactions with the RDIF and its sub-funds and companies. This measure further limits Russia's access to global financial markets and foreign currency. However, the Federal Council is not currently imposing this measure on two Chinese regional banks falling under the EU's transaction ban.There are no indications of Swiss financial institutions conducting business with these two regional banks. The EAER will continue to monitor the situation and inform the Federal Council should the situation evolve.
Measures targeting the energy sector
The Federal Council also decided on 29 October to ban the import of refined petroleum products obtained from Russian crude oil in third countries – with the exception of Canada, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States – in an effort to prevent Russia's crude oil from reaching Switzerland indirectly. Switzerland is also implementing a transaction ban on Nord Stream 1 and 2, effectively blocking the completion, maintenance, operation or any future use of these pipelines. Certain exceptions apply, such as for regular maintenance services to prevent safety or environmental risks.
Further measures
The Federal Council also decided to introduce safeguards against illegitimate bilateral investment treaty arbitration proceedings launched by Russian entities and individuals. Switzerland will not recognise or enforce arbitral decisions taken outside Switzerland or the European Economic Area (EEA) that could lead to the satisfaction of claims related to sanctions. In addition, Switzerland will have the right to recover any damages incurred in investor-to-state dispute settlement.
Review mandate for 12th sanctions package
The EU adopted its 12th sanctions package against Russia on 18 December 2023. The Federal Council aligned with this sanctions package on 31 January 2024 but decided to temporarily withhold the requirement for notification of certain transfers of funds out of the EU, pending an in-depth review (news.admin.ch/en/nsb?id=99902). Following this review, the Federal Council decided at its meeting on 29 October not to introduce this notification requirement.
Measures against Belarus
Alongside its 18th sanctions package issued on 18 July, the EU also imposed further measures against Belarus in light of that country's continued involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine. At its meeting on 29 October, the Federal Council decided to fully adopt these new measures, which will enter into force on 30 October. This decision further aligns Switzerland's sanctions regime against Belarus with that against Russia, strengthening its impact and countering loopholes for circumvention.
AS 2025 662 - Verordnung über Massnahmen im Zusammenhang mit der Situation in der Ukraine | Fedlex