The European Union (EU) is considering lifting some of its sanctions against Syria following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in December. France’s foreign minister stated that as part of a broader EU strategy, certain sanctions on energy and transport sectors would be suspended to aid reconstruction efforts. The EU foreign ministers met in Brussels to discuss this move, signaling their eagerness to stabilize Damascus and rebuild relations with its leaders.
The conflict since Assad’s removal has left Syria in ruins, with major cities reduced to rubble and the population enduring poverty. Over the past 13 years, al-Assad’s regime used torture and chemical weapons, cementing Syria’s reputation as a pariah state. The West introduced severe sanctions in 2011, blocking access to capital markets and trade revenues.
Analysts suggest that while some EU countries are hopeful about lifting restrictions, others view the move as conditional. European Council on Foreign Relations director Julien Barnes-Dacey emphasized the need for a phased approach, warning against a snap-back of US sanctions unless the opposition group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham acts inclusively and in line with human rights norms. He stressed that both EU and US actions are crucial to addressing Syria’s crises, including economic instability and foreign funding risks.
This move marks a significant pivot for the region, signaling a potential shift toward cooperation despite ongoing tensions.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/27/france-says-eu-will-lift-some-sanctions-on-syria-after-al-assads-fall