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The European Union may soon lift sanctions on Syria related to energy and transport but has yet to agree on whether to ease restrictions on financial transactions.
This information comes from three diplomats and a draft EU document obtained by Reuters.
EU foreign ministers will discuss the issue at a meeting in Brussels on Monday. The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, told the agency on Wednesday that she hopes to reach a political agreement on easing sanctions at the meeting.
Officials believe that transport is a key factor in restoring the full operation of Syrian airports, which could facilitate the return of refugees.
Energy and electricity are also considered essential for improving living conditions, helping stabilize the country, and encouraging citizens to return.
According to the EU document, diplomats from the 27 member states recommended taking swift measures to suspend restrictions “in sectors necessary for economic stabilization and the launch of Syria’s economic reconstruction, such as energy and transport.”
Diplomats also recommended “assessing options for restoring banking and investment relations with Syria.”
According to their position, the easing of EU restrictive measures will be carried out in stages, with regular assessments of whether conditions in Syria allow for further suspension of sanctions.
The document’s wording represents a compromise among EU capitals. Some governments want to act quickly to suspend sanctions, while others prefer a more cautious and gradual approach to maintain Europe’s leverage.
If a political agreement is announced on Monday, European officials will begin working on the technical details of suspending sanctions.
Under the current plans, certain sanctions will remain in place, including those related to the Assad regime, illegal drug trade, and arms trafficking.
Notably, in December 2024, two U.S. congressmen called for the suspension of some sanctions on Syria to ease pressure on its devastated economy following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron stated in December that they were ready to cooperate with rebel groups that overthrew Assad’s regime.
