The European Union has lifted select sanctions on Syria in an effort to support democratic development during the country’s political transition. Restrictions on oil, gas, and electricity exports, as well as aviation sanctions, have been suspended with immediate effect. However, the decision can be reversed if the new leadership fails to implement expected reforms.
The EU maintains a wide range of sanctions on entire economic sectors and individuals in Syria, which were imposed during President Bashar al-Assad’s rule. The country’s new leadership has urged the West to ease restrictions to help Syria recover from years of despotic rule and civil war.
Syria’s interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, is meeting with regional and international leaders to establish ties and lead a reconstruction campaign. A national dialogue conference starting on Tuesday aims to discuss a new path for the nation, including a constitutional framework, economic roadmap, and institutional reform.
The formation of a “new inclusive government” by March 1 could determine whether more Western sanctions are lifted, according to Geir Pedersen, United Nations special envoy for Syria.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/24/eu-suspends-select-syria-sanctions-to-encourage-democratic-development