Ukraine Parliament relaxes ban on legal advice for Russian companies
Parliament has relaxed the ban on legal advice for sanctioned Russian oligarchs and companies. After the Council of States, the National Council also adopted a corresponding proposal, albeit in a modified form.
18.12.2024, 18:43
SDA
With 110 votes in favor, 71 against and 12 abstentions, the large chamber thus followed its Legal Affairs Committee (RK-N). The latter had previously recommended the motion submitted by Councillor of States Beat Rieder (center) from Valais for approval. Rieder saw the ban adopted as part of the EU sanctions against Russia as a violation of the fundamental right to a fair hearing.
Overall, the committee shared the Council of States' fears that the current sanctions regime against Russia in the area of legal advice may be disproportionate - and could violate certain fundamental rights. Unlike the Council of States, however, the National Council wants to separate typical advocacy activities from purely advisory activities. Only the latter should be permitted.
A red-green minority rejected the motion. It emphasized that the ban in question was not directed against natural persons and referred to a corresponding ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), which did not assume any violation of fundamental rights in this case. The Federal Council also rejected the motion and warned of negative consequences for Switzerland's foreign policy credibility.
