The European Union has taken a significant step towards easing its sanctions on Syria, endorsing a conditional “step-by-step” roadmap aimed at the temporary suspension of restrictions. The sanctions relief, focused initially on banking, energy, and transport sectors, is contingent on tangible progress by Syria’s new authorities.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas announced that the suspension will be gradual, with certain sectors targeted first to support the reconstruction and stabilization of Syria. The EU’s objective is to help normalize financial relations, with the hope of accelerating Syria’s post-conflict recovery. However, Kallas emphasized that political will is essential and that further relaxation of sanctions will depend on visible progress on the ground.
This development follows months of negotiations and comes after a rapid offensive by rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) overthrew Bashar al-Assad’s autocratic regime in December. HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, who has been vocal in urging Western countries to lift sanctions, argued that sanctions relief is vital for improving the flow of humanitarian aid to Syria.
The EU’s decision to ease sanctions is tied to several conditions, including respect for human rights, minority protections, and the drafting of an inclusive new constitution. Though the transition is seen as promising, EU officials have made it clear that the suspension of sanctions is temporary, with a “snapback” mechanism in place to reinstate restrictions if the situation deteriorates.
Despite this cautious optimism, sanctions on weapons, surveillance equipment, and chemicals, as well as the blacklist of individuals and entities linked to the Assad regime, will remain in place. EU member states have expressed hope for Syria’s political transition, but also caution that any progress must be matched by inclusivity and a firm stance against the resurgence of groups like ISIS.
Syria-Presidential-Palace from Wikipedia (public domain)
