On January 24, 2025, in Brussels, European Union foreign ministers are set to discuss a potential suspension of economic, financial, and energy sanctions against Syria. This initiative aims to improve relations with Damascus and enhance the humanitarian situation, contingent upon the new authorities leading a peaceful and inclusive transition.
The proposal, primarily championed by Germany, has garnered support from Spain, France, and Italy. Diplomats indicate that the 27 EU member states must determine which sanctions to lift and the procedures involved.
The suspension is proposed to last for one year, allowing for reevaluation based on the situation in Syria. If setbacks occur, sanctions would automatically be reinstated. EU officials express cautious optimism about the transition, emphasizing the need for realism.
This development aligns with the EU's intention to play a more significant role in Syria as new authorities seek to establish a new phase of governance. A coalition of countries, including Germany, Spain, and France, advocates for using sanctions as leverage to promote a peaceful political transition, ensuring minority protection and dialogue among social and ethnic groups.
The EU is currently focusing on suspending sanctions related to the energy and transport sectors, recognizing their substantial impact on the civilian population. However, this step hinges on progress in Syria's political transition, led by the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is also calling for changes to banking and economic sanctions.
As for individual sanctions against figures in the Assad regime, over 300 individuals and 80 entities remain on the EU's blacklist due to the repression following the civil war that erupted in 2011.
Additionally, the meeting will address the renewal of economic sanctions against Russia, pending Hungary's approval. Hungary contends that these sanctions threaten its energy security, as the EU approaches the January 31 deadline for renewal.
EU officials assert that renewing sanctions is essential to their strategy against the Kremlin, despite Hungary's resistance. Concerns are rising within the EU that failing to renew sanctions could jeopardize support for Ukraine and strain international relations, particularly with the United States.