Germany has reopened its embassy in Damascus, 13 years after it was closed at the onset of the Syrian civil war. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock inaugurated the mission during a visit to the Syrian capital, marking her second trip to the country since the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad in December.
Baerbock stated that her visit aimed to signal the possibility of a new political beginning between Europe and Syria, emphasizing the need for freedom, security, and opportunities for all Syrians. She also addressed recent clashes between pro-Assad fighters and the new government's forces, urging the transitional government to control its groups and prosecute those responsible.
The EU has recently suspended some sanctions to aid Syria's economic recovery and reconstruction, removing financial institutions from the sanctions list and suspending measures in the oil, gas, electricity, and transport sectors. The EU will monitor the situation and is prepared to reinstate sanctions if necessary. The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has presented nearly 2.5 billion euros in additional aid for Syrians over the next two years.