The European Union has agreed to lift all sanctions imposed on Syria, according to the AFP news agency on Tuesday, May 20.
The European Union has not yet announced the details of lifting the sanctions, while EU ministers are meeting in Brussels to discuss the matter.
Before the European decision, the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, expressed hope that the ministers could reach an agreement on lifting economic sanctions against Syria.
Reuters quoted Kallas and European officials indicating that ministers are considering a political decision to lift economic sanctions.
The EU intends to maintain sanctions related to the ousted Assad regime, in addition to imposing measures against human rights violators.
Kallas stated, according to Reuters, “It is clear that we want there to be job opportunities and means of livelihood for the people (in Syria), so that the country can be more stable.”
The current package of EU sanctions on Syria is set to expire at the beginning of June, opening the door for potential changes in European policy regarding the Syrian file.
In May 2024, the EU extended sanctions on the ousted Syrian regime until June 1, 2025.
On February 24, the EU announced the suspension of sanctions on the oil and transportation sectors, the removal of five entities from asset freezes, and the provision of financial and humanitarian exemptions.
This decision came during an EU session and included the suspension of sanctions on the transportation and energy sectors, including oil, gas, and electricity.
The EU also removed five entities from asset freeze lists: the Industrial Bank, the Popular Credit Bank, the Saving Bank, the Agricultural Cooperative Bank, and Syrian Airlines. They allowed the provision of funds and financial resources to the Central Bank of Syria (CBS).
The EU offered some exemptions related to the ban on establishing banking relationships between Syrian banks and financial institutions within the territories of member states.
Moreover, on January 27, EU foreign ministers agreed on a roadmap to ease European sanctions on Syria.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated at that time, following a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, “While we aim to act quickly, lifting sanctions could be reversed if wrong steps are taken.”
On May 13, US President Donald Trump announced the lifting of US sanctions imposed on Syria during the time of the ousted regime.
Trump stated during a speech at the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh, “It is time to give Syria a chance, and I wish it good luck.”
The US president added that he decided to lift the sanctions after discussing the matter with the Saudi Crown Prince and the Turkish President.
EU agrees to lift sanctions on Syria Enab Baladi.
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