Six European Union member states have called for a temporary suspension of certain sanctions on Syria, signaling a potential shift in the bloc’s policy toward the war-torn country. A document seen by Reuters, signed https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/mena/six-eu-nations-call-for-temporary-syria-sanctions-reliefby Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Finland, and Denmark, urges the EU to relax sanctions in sectors such as transport, energy, and banking.
EU foreign ministers are set to discuss the proposal during a meeting in Brussels on January 27, as the bloc reassesses its approach following significant political changes in Syria. The reevaluation comes in the wake of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s removal from power by insurgent forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, the United Nations, and most other countries.
The six nations stated in their proposal that the EU should “immediately begin adjusting our sanctions regime.” However, they also emphasized that the lifting of sanctions would depend on Syria’s new leadership meeting EU expectations, including respect for human rights and protection of minorities. The document cautioned that if these standards are not met, sanctions could be reinstated swiftly through a snapback mechanism.
The United States has already taken steps to ease sanctions on Syria. Last week, it issued a six-month sanctions exemption for transactions with governing institutions in the country to facilitate humanitarian aid.
The EU proposal recommends easing restrictions to enable civilian flights, reevaluating bans on high-value goods, lifting export bans on oil and gas technology, and reopening financial channels between the EU and Syria. Sanctions against individuals associated with the Assad administration and its supporters, however, would remain in place.
Addressing sanctions related to HTS poses a more complex challenge. The document notes that lifting such sanctions would require discussions at the United Nations and coordination with international partners. Any decision would hinge on a collective reassessment of HTS, its leader Ahmed Al-Shara’a, and the situation on the ground.
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, met Syria’s new foreign minister, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, on Sunday during a high-level meeting in Riyadh. The gathering brought together Middle Eastern and Western diplomats to discuss the evolving situation in Syria.
“Now is the time for Syria’s new leadership to deliver on the hope they have created – through a peaceful and inclusive transition that protects all minorities,” Kallas said. She added that discussions with EU foreign ministers about easing sanctions would follow.
The proposed policy shift reflects growing international efforts to stabilize Syria and address the humanitarian challenges in the region. However, it also underscores the delicate balance between fostering recovery and ensuring accountability for past abuses.
