Switzerland joins EU's 15th package of anti-Russian sanctions, restrictions against Belarus

BERLIN. Dec 23 (Interfax) - The Swiss authorities have decided to join the European Union's 15th package of anti-Russian sanctions adopted on December 16 and measures against Belarus, the Swiss government said in a statement on its website on Monday.

"The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research [EAER], in its capacity as the competent body for sanctions, has expanded its list of sanctions against Russia and Belarus. Switzerland is thus adopting the additional sanctions decided by the EU," the statement said.

This decision takes effect on December 24.

"The EAER has further adopted the individual financial sanctions that the EU has imposed on Belarus as part of its sanctions regime against the country due to the situation there," it said.

Last Monday, the EU published its 15th package of anti-Russian sanctions, which include restrictive measures against a number of oil and LNG tankers. Furthermore, dozens of individuals and entities were added to the EU sanction lists.