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Insights – 12.11.2025

Swiss sanctions against Russia – Further alignment with the EU – Implementation of the 18th Sanctions Package

Swiss sanctions against Russia – Further alignment with the EU –…

In a continued effort to align with European Union ("EU") sanctions, on 29 October 2025, the Swiss Federal Council implemented further measures transposing the core elements of the European Union's 18th sanctions package adopted on 18 July 2025. The new Swiss measures entered into force on 30 October 2025 and reinforce the existing framework through expanded trade restrictions, energy-sector prohibitions, transaction bans affecting Russian financial institutions and sovereign funds, as well as new software and service restrictions, while enhancing procedural shields against foreign proceedings for Swiss operators. For reference, the European Union has already moved to a 19th sanctions package, and certain elements of the 18th package adopted at EU level, such as the measures relating to some Chinese financial institutions, are not included in the present Swiss revision.

Insights – 11.11.2025

Taking of evidence in aid of cross-border civil proceedings – it’s getting (somewhat) easier in Switzerland

Taking of evidence in aid of cross-border civil proceedings – it’s getting…

Videoconferences are nowadays widely used for the examination of parties, witnesses and experts in cross-border civil proceedings. To date, however, in Switzerland the participation in a foreign court hearing by means of a videoconference requires prior authorization by the Swiss authorities. Failing to abide by this requirement is not an option, as this would run afoul the Swiss blocking statute, a criminal offence. To facilitate the voluntary participation in foreign litigation proceedings through electronic means – which is often in the best interest of Swiss-domiciled parties –, the Swiss parliament enacted new provisions on the use of electronic means of communication in cross-border civil proceedings. As of 1 January 2026, it will thus no longer be necessary to obtain prior authorization for participating in a foreign court hearing. A prior notification to the Swiss authorities will suffice, provided certain guidelines are followed. In addition, the new provisions ease the restrictions for the voluntary production of information in aid of foreign civil proceedings.
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Lenz & Staehelin {PAGENO}/{nbpg}
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