The European Union (EU) - First imposed sanctions on Syria in 2011 due to Bashar Assad’s violent crackdown on protesters, which led to a devastating civil war. These measures included asset freezes and travel bans on 316 individuals and 86 entities tied to the former regime.
EU’s Conditional Move to Lift Sanctions - On January 27, 2025, EU foreign ministers agreed to begin the process of lifting sanctions. However, they emphasized that sanctions could be reinstated if Syria's new leadership fails to meet expectations for a peaceful, inclusive political future.
Key Conditions for Easing Sanctions - EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas explained that the goal was to remove the most restrictive sanctions hindering Syria’s recovery, such as those on infrastructure and energy. However, certain sanctions, like those on weapons exports, will remain in place.
A Conditional Roadmap - The decision is still a “political agreement,” meaning sanctions won’t be lifted immediately. Technical details must be sorted out in the coming weeks. The EU aims to help Syria rebuild, but warns that the sanctions could be reinstated if the situation deteriorates.
Monitoring New Leadership - The EU is watching the new leadership closely, especially the actions of the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which has become the de facto ruling power in Syria. The EU and the UN consider HTS a terrorist organization, and restrictions on them will remain for now.
Future Outlook - The EU is cautiously optimistic about Syria’s transition since the downfall of Assad, but the new government has yet to outline a clear plan for governance. EU ministers are prepared to act quickly if Syria’s new leadership fails to meet the required conditions for peace and stability.
