EU lifts Syria sanctions, aids in rebuilding efforts
The head of EU diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, announced on Tuesday that the foreign ministers of EU countries have decided to lift economic sanctions imposed on Syria. These sanctions were initially placed on the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, which was overthrown in December.
"We want to help the Syrian people rebuild a new, inclusive and peaceful Syria," wrote Kallas on platform X. The High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy reminded readers that the EU has supported Syrians over the last 14 years and, as she stated, will continue to do so.
Decision to lift sanctions on Syria
In 2011, Syria experienced mass protests known as the Arab Spring, which quickly evolved into a civil war. During this time, Assad's regime dealt brutally with the rebels opposing it. In response, the EU imposed sanctions on Assad's regime, including economic measures that cut it off from the Western banking system, effectively halting the possibility of executing foreign transactions.
As Kallas announced, the ministers also decided to allocate €18 million ($20 million) from European Union funds to improve conditions in camps for fighters and their families.
Kallas stated at a press conference that the sanctions will be conditionally lifted. She noted that if there is no progress, the sanctions may be reimposed. She emphasized that while the situation in Syria is not ideal, the EU decided to give Syrians an opportunity for change.
Relations with Syria and its new government were among the key topics discussed during the meeting of the foreign ministers of EU states on Tuesday in Brussels.
EU sanctions imposed on Syria were originally slated to be extended by the Union in June. The European Union had already lifted some restrictions to allow, among other things, the export of energy to the country. However, sanctions concerning the sale of arms will remain in place.
The Syrian Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shibani, thanked the Union for the decision to lift the sanctions. He declared that this decision would contribute to enhancing security and stability in Syria.
The United States was the first to announce the lifting of sanctions. This was declared by US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, ahead of his meeting with the interim president of Syria, Ahmed al-Shara, in Riyadh. This was the first meeting of the presidents of both countries in 25 years.
Al-Shara, who leads the coalition of Islamist rebels, overthrew Assad's regime in December 2024. Since taking power, he has distanced himself from ties with jihadists and sought rapprochement with the West. He emphasized the necessity of lifting sanctions as part of efforts to unify and rebuild a country devastated by nearly 14 years of civil war.
