The Federal Council Seeks Possible Gaps in Sanctions on Raw Materials
Published: Thursday, Sep 21st 2023, 09:01
Updated At: Friday, Oct 13th 2023, 14:12
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The Swiss National Council has given the Federal Council the task of reviewing the implementation of sanctions against Russia in the commodities sector. The motion was passed with 135 to 50 votes, rejecting a proposal from the SVP faction to reject it. The motion, proposed by the Foreign Policy Commission of the National Council, calls for the Federal Council to report on any potential shortcomings in the implementation of the sanctions and to suggest any additional measures that could be taken to improve enforcement and control. It also calls for the government to identify which countries are trading Russian commodities. The Foreign Policy Commission argued that before Russia's attack on Ukraine, 50-60% of Russian oil and 75% of Russian coal exported was traded through Switzerland. It was also noted that the commodities sector in Switzerland accounts for 8-9% of the gross domestic product, making it almost as important as the financial sector. This means that Switzerland has a significant reputation risk and a special responsibility to ensure the sanctions against Russia are enforced. The minority of the Foreign Policy Commission, led by Roger Köppel of the SVP, argued that Switzerland should reject the motion and return to neutrality, as it would make the country a tool of foreign interests.
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