Switzerland joins EU sanctions against Belarus

Switzerland has joined the sanctions imposed by the European Union against Belarus due to the situation in Ukraine, Report informs referring to the website of the Federal Council (government) of Switzerland.

“On 2 and 9 March, the EU extended its sanctions against Belarus in view of the country’s involvement in Russia’s serious human rights violations in Ukraine. On 16 March, the Federal Council took the decision to adopt these measures in full,” reads the message.

The export of goods that could contribute to Belarus's military and technological enhancement or the development of the defense and security sector is prohibited. In this context, it is also prohibited to provide technical assistance, brokering services or financing.

Import bans in place against Belarus will also be extended. These bans now also apply to wood products, products made of rubber, iron and steel, and cement.

The provision of public financing or financial assistance for trade with or investment in Belarus is prohibited. Other restrictive measures in the financial sector concern securities, loans and the acceptance of deposits. Transactions with the Belarusian Central Bank are also no longer permitted. Furthermore, listed Belarusian banks are excluded from SWIFT, the international messaging system for financial transactions.