Switzerland, the sanctions

Switzerland's sanctions against Belarus: neutrality yields to international pressure

Traditionally considered neutral, Switzerland has chosen since 2021 to largely align with the European Union's measures against Belarus.

Swiss sanctions are adopted based on the Embargoes Act (EmbA) and implemented through federal council ordinances.

📅 Timeline of Swiss measures

• Fall 2020 – Spring 2021
  Initial individual sanctions after post-election violence: freezing of assets and travel bans for Belarusian officials.

• June 2021
  Extension of measures after the Ryanair flight hijacking in Minsk.
  New restrictions target the aviation sector and state-owned enterprises.

• February–March 2022
  With the start of the war in Ukraine, Switzerland aligns with the EU:

  • Freeze on potassium, oil, and financial products,

  • Restrictions on dual-use goods and sensitive technologies.

• 2023–2024
  Ongoing updates: inclusion of Belarusian banks and new industrial companies in sanction lists.
  Strengthened customs controls to prevent triangular trade via third countries.

• 2025
  Measures remain fully in force, with periodic review by the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (DEFR).

🔎 Content of Swiss sanctions

1. Personal sanctions

   • Freezing of assets and entry ban for Lukashenko, members of his family, government officials, judges, and military personnel.

2. Economic and trade restrictions

   • Import ban on petroleum products, potassium, timber, and other strategic raw materials.

   • Export prohibition of dual-use goods, advanced technologies, and telecommunications equipment.

3. Financial sector

   • Freezing of Belarusian bank and corporate assets held in Switzerland.

   • Restrictions on new loans and investments.

   • Mandatory reporting of suspicious transactions by Swiss banks.

4. Transport and aviation

   • Restrictions on airspace and aeronautical services connected to Belarusian airlines.