The government was informed of this by the economics ministry on Wednesday, having decided on March 29 to make the reserves and assets subject to a reporting requirement, it said in a statementExternal link.
Individuals, organisations and entities that hold, control or are counterparties to reserves and assets of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation had to report this information to the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) by April 12. The reporting obligation also applies in the European Union in accordance with the EU sanctions against Russia.
Since March 25, 2022, all transactions related to the management of reserves and assets of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation have been prohibited. This means the bank’s assets have been immobilised.
More
More
Could Switzerland seize Russia’s foreign reserves for Ukraine reconstruction?
This content was published on
To know if this controversial idea is feasible, Switzerland must wade through a host of prickly legal questions.
This sum of immobilised assets should be distinguished from the sum of frozen funds and assets in Switzerland (CHF7.5 billion), the government said. The latter are those owned or controlled by sanctioned individuals, companies or entities and are subject to the freezing of assets as set out in Article 15 of the Ordinance on Measures Relating to the Situation in Ukraine.
The government said it remains mandatory to report reserves and assets of the Russian central bank, and reporting will take place regularly, on a quarterly basis. “In the event of extraordinary and unforeseen loss or damage, there is an obligation to report this immediately to SECO,” it said.
In the EU there are ongoing discussions on whether assets of the Russian central bank should be invested and the proceeds used for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Switzerland is following these discussions closely, the government said.
More
More
Swiss government refuses to confiscate Russian assets
This content was published on
The Swiss government says the confiscation of private Russian assets would undermine the Swiss constitution.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
Swiss voters could have final say on confiscating Russian money
This content was published on
No quick decisions should be made when discussing the confiscation of Russian assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine, says foreign minister.
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.