The Senate has voted against a change in the law that would allow Switzerland to unilaterally sanction countries and individuals in addition to following those of the European Union.
At present, the Swiss government can only opt to follow sanctions already imposed by the EU or the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OCSE).
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Switzerland has followed EU sanctions against Russian entities and individuals.
Earlier this year, the House of Representatives called for Switzerland to impose sanctions on its own volition. But on Monday, the other parliamentary chamber voiced its disagreement.
The Senate followed the government’s recommendation to keep the current status quo on sanctions as a change in policy could further expose Switzerland to counter-measures by other countries.
A similar decision was taken by Senate last year before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The stalemate between the parliamentary chambers looks unlikely to be broken despite the issue going back to the House of Representatives for another look.
Santioned Russians in Switzerland
In a separate development, the Swiss migration office has identified seven sanctioned Russians with residency permits in Switzerland.
Ministers told parliament that various options are being examined, including the revocation of permits and possible expulsions from Switzerland.
This content was published on
The only alternative to the UN Palestinian agency’s work in Gaza is to allow Israel to run services there, Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, told reporters in Geneva on Monday.
Study reveals food culture differences between Switzerland and neighbours
This content was published on
Three-quarters of Swiss people consider eating to be a pleasurable, social activity, a new survey reveals. Healthy eating, however, plays a much less important role, it found.
Precious archaeological vases and coins returned to Italian museum
This content was published on
The Italian authorities have recovered over 2,500 precious ancient coins, vases and small sculptures that had been illegally dug up and sold in Switzerland, Eurojust announced on Monday.
PrimeEnergy Cleantech declared bankrupt by Swiss authorities
This content was published on
PrimeEnergy Cleantech has been officially declared bankrupt, the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce (SOGC) reported on Monday.
This content was published on
The consumption of antibiotics has risen in Switzerland since the Covid-19 pandemic. However, compared to other European countries the Alpine country has one of the lowest levels of antibiotic usage.
Swiss financial watchdog foresees greater uncertainty due to geopolitics
This content was published on
The Swiss financial sector will face greater uncertainty due to the numerous geopolitical conflicts around the world, warns the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).
Swiss museums to mark centenary of death of painter Félix Vallotton
This content was published on
Swiss museums will celebrate the centenary of the death of the artist Félix Vallotton (1865-1925) next year. A major retrospective is planned in Lausanne, his birthplace, in autumn.
Russian mission installs more ‘spy’ antennas in Geneva, Swiss TV report claims
This content was published on
Russian spies are strengthening their presence in Geneva, according to a report by Swiss public television, RTS. Russian officials have placed new satellite dishes on their diplomatic buildings without authorisation.
This content was published on
Switzerland should join NATO, as in the future it cannot rely on its long-standing tradition of neutrality for its defence, John Bolton, Donald Trump's former national security adviser, declared in an interview on Sunday.
This content was published on
A demonstration was held in Geneva on Sunday calling for an immediate end to the war in Ukraine. Around 50 Russians took part in the gathering outside the UN building.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss adopt Russian oil ban and other sanctions over Ukraine war
This content was published on
The Swiss government has adopted the latest set of European Union sanctions against Russia and Belarus over the war in Ukraine.
Russian war in Ukraine renews pressure on Swiss free ports
This content was published on
Are free ports, in Switzerland and around the world, being used by sanctioned individuals to hide assets? Swiss authorities don’t have a clear answer.
Switzerland will not expel Russian diplomats, says president
This content was published on
Swiss President Ignazio Cassis has said that the Alpine nation will not expel Russian diplomats to sanction Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.
This content was published on
At least since the shooting down of a Malaysian Airline plane over Ukraine in mid-July, the 28 member states of the EU seem to stand united, deciding to extend economic sanctions against Russia. Not so Switzerland. As a non-EU member, it is insisting on its traditional neutrality and its position as current head of the…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.