EU suspends sanctions against key economic sectors in Syria
The EU is suspending sanctions on some key economic sectors in Syria, as had been expected. The move is aimed at contributing to the reconstruction of the country and supporting an inclusive political transition in Syria, the bloc said in a press release on Monday.
The EU first imposed sanctions on Syria in 2011 after Bashir al-Assad's violent crackdown on protesters, sparking a civil war. The government of the Syrian president fell in December after an offensive by local rebels.
The EU welcomed the regime change, and in January, member states agreed on a gradual suspension of those sanctions. Priority would be given to sanctions on sectors that most hinder Syria's reconstruction.
Greater engagement
On Monday, EU foreign ministers formally gave their approval. Sanctions in the energy and transport sectors have been suspended and five Syrian banks have been removed from the sanctions list. The EU will also be able to provide funds and resources to the Syrian Central Bank.
"The EU aims to facilitate engagement with Syria, its people and businesses in the key areas of energy and transport, as well as financial and banking transactions related to these sectors and those needed for humanitarian and reconstruction purposes," a press release said.
Gradual process
The lifting of sanctions will be gradual. The EU is closely monitoring the actions of Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has been appointed president of a transitional government. Al-Sharaa has a history as a jihadist with links to al-Qaeda, but has since severed ties with terrorist organisations and reassured Western leaders that he wants to build a united, democratic Syria.
"If things do not go well, we are also ready to reimpose sanctions"
In its press release, the EU warns that sanctions could be reinstated if the new Syrian regime does not respect human rights or democratic values.
"Any kind of government needs to be inclusive and taking into account all the different groups that are in Syria,” High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas said on Monday. "If things do not go well, we are also ready to reimpose sanctions."
People in front of Hejaz train station in Damascus, 26 January 2025 © PHOTO LOUAI BESHARA / AFP
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