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Thursday, Apr 03, 2025
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EU and Syria Evaluate Potential Easing of Sanctions Amid International Discussions
Germany, France, and Italy push for re-evaluation of sanctions following Syrian regime change.
Brussels — The European Union is considering adjustments to its sanctions on Syria following the recent collapse of the Assad regime.
This potential shift was signaled by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, during a summit in Riyadh attended by representatives from the Gulf region and the transitional Syrian government.
There is a strong push from Germany, France, and Italy, who have already engaged with the new Syrian administration.
The sanctions, initially imposed in 2011, are seen as a significant barrier to Syria's reconstruction following a protracted civil war.
EU leaders have advocated for a careful review, emphasizing that any policy change must accompany tangible political progress within Syria.
The leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Ahmed al-Sharaa, has shown promising actions, such as offering amnesty to former regime soldiers and preparing to draft a new constitution.
A recent meeting in Saudi Arabia, part of ongoing diplomatic engagement involving major EU members and the United States, saw discussions focused on the impact of current sanctions.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has appealed to the international community, arguing that the sanctions hinder Syria's recovery and exacerbate humanitarian conditions.
Concurrently, the U.S. has temporarily expanded permitted activities in Syria for a six-month period.
Kallas discussed these developments in a bilateral meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, highlighting the EU’s intent to foster an inclusive political transition.
An official discussion by EU foreign ministers about potential sanctions easing is scheduled for January 27.
A letter from Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Finland, and Denmark further underscores this initiative, advocating for sanctions reevaluation.
They propose immediate suspension of particular sanctions, including those on Syrian Arab Airlines, the export of jet fuel, and consider the suspension of some measures without preconditions to aid Syria’s restructuring.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani recently visited Damascus and met with al-Sharaa, reiterating the need for visible change and confidence-building measures toward the Syrian populace.
Tajani has advocated for a temporary moratorium on the most critical sanctions, contingent upon sustained progress by the Syrian leadership.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the prospect of easing sanctions remains a focal point, pending further discussions among EU member states and partners.
This potential shift was signaled by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, during a summit in Riyadh attended by representatives from the Gulf region and the transitional Syrian government.
There is a strong push from Germany, France, and Italy, who have already engaged with the new Syrian administration.
The sanctions, initially imposed in 2011, are seen as a significant barrier to Syria's reconstruction following a protracted civil war.
EU leaders have advocated for a careful review, emphasizing that any policy change must accompany tangible political progress within Syria.
The leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Ahmed al-Sharaa, has shown promising actions, such as offering amnesty to former regime soldiers and preparing to draft a new constitution.
A recent meeting in Saudi Arabia, part of ongoing diplomatic engagement involving major EU members and the United States, saw discussions focused on the impact of current sanctions.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has appealed to the international community, arguing that the sanctions hinder Syria's recovery and exacerbate humanitarian conditions.
Concurrently, the U.S. has temporarily expanded permitted activities in Syria for a six-month period.
Kallas discussed these developments in a bilateral meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, highlighting the EU’s intent to foster an inclusive political transition.
An official discussion by EU foreign ministers about potential sanctions easing is scheduled for January 27.
A letter from Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Finland, and Denmark further underscores this initiative, advocating for sanctions reevaluation.
They propose immediate suspension of particular sanctions, including those on Syrian Arab Airlines, the export of jet fuel, and consider the suspension of some measures without preconditions to aid Syria’s restructuring.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani recently visited Damascus and met with al-Sharaa, reiterating the need for visible change and confidence-building measures toward the Syrian populace.
Tajani has advocated for a temporary moratorium on the most critical sanctions, contingent upon sustained progress by the Syrian leadership.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the prospect of easing sanctions remains a focal point, pending further discussions among EU member states and partners.
