On Tuesday, European Union nations granted approval to lift all economic sanctions imposed on Syria, aiming to facilitate Damascus’s recovery following the devastating conflict and the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad, according to diplomatic sources.
Sources indicated that ambassadors from the 27 member states reached a preliminary agreement on this matter, which is expected to be officially announced by their foreign ministers later today.
This decision by the EU followed last week’s announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the removal of sanctions against Syria.
The newly appointed leaders of the country are advocating for a reduction of the stringent international sanctions that have been in place since the outbreak of the conflict triggered by the former president Assad’s crackdown on dissent.
EU diplomats mentioned that the agreement could potentially end the isolation of Syrian banks from the global financial system and conclude the freezing of central bank assets.
However, diplomats noted that the EU intends to impose new individual sanctions on those responsible for escalating ethnic tensions following attacks on the Alawite minority that resulted in fatalities.
Other measures targeting Assad’s regime will remain in effect, including a prohibition on arms sales or equipment that could be used against civilians.
This latest action from the EU follows an initial step taken in February, where some sanctions on critical Syrian economic sectors were suspended.
Officials stated that these measures could be reinstated if Syria’s new leaders fail to uphold commitments to respect minority rights and make progress toward democracy.