 "Vehicles drive as the Syrian central bank is seen in the background in Damascus, Syria February 12, 2025. - Reuters")
In a major shift in policy, European Union member states on Monday lifted several sanctions on Syria with immediate effect, easing restrictions on energy, banking, transport, and reconstruction. While the EU continues to enforce various sanctions targeting individuals and economic sectors in Syria.
The decision follows a reassessment of the EU’s stance after insurgent forces, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), removed former President Bashar al-Assad from power in December. Meeting in Brussels, EU foreign ministers agreed to suspend sanctions on the energy sector, including oil, gas, and electricity, as well as restrictions on the transport sector.
Also, they lifted asset freezes on five banks, relaxed restrictions on Syria’s central bank and extended indefinitely an exemption aimed at facilitating humanitarian aid deliveries.
Despite these changes, the EU has maintained sanctions related to Assad-era authorities, including those on arms trading, dual-use goods with both military and civilian applications, surveillance software, and the international trade of Syrian cultural heritage items.
They said they would continue to monitor the situation in Syria to ensure that the suspensions remained appropriate.
With inputs from agencies