Brussels, 20 May 2025 – The European Union has decided to lift a portion of its economic sanctions on Syria following recent political changes in the country, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced on Tuesday.
“Today, we took the decision to lift our economic sanctions on Syria,” Kallas said in a statement posted on social media platform X. She added that the move is intended to support the Syrian people in rebuilding a more inclusive and peaceful country.
The decision follows the removal of former President Bashar al-Assad from power in December by forces associated with the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has since taken control of the central government in Damascus. The development marked a significant shift in Syria’s political landscape after more than a decade of civil war.
While the EU is easing some economic restrictions to assist in Syria’s reconstruction, several sanctions will remain in place. These include measures targeting individuals and entities linked to the former Assad regime, as well as those accused of human rights violations. Export controls on weapons and surveillance technologies used for domestic repression will also remain active.
The EU had previously discussed lifting certain sanctions in February 2025, citing humanitarian concerns and the need for economic recovery.
The U.S. also announced plans last week to lift some of its own sanctions on Syria. EU leaders noted this as a contributing factor to their decision but emphasized that they will continue monitoring developments in the country closely.
Despite the policy shift, European officials have expressed ongoing concerns about the political direction of the new Syrian authorities and the potential risks posed by their ideological affiliations.
