On January 27, 2025, European Union (EU) foreign ministers reached a political agreement to ease sanctions imposed on Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The agreement is conditional and can be revoked if the new leadership fails to meet expectations.
Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign affairs chief, announced the roadmap on social media during a Council of the EU meeting. She emphasized that while the goal is to proceed quickly, sanctions relief can be reversed if the new government takes 'wrong steps.'
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that the initial measures to be suspended will target the energy, transport, and finance sectors, which currently hinder the country's economic stabilization and reconstruction efforts.
Kallas clarified that the EU is not lifting restrictive measures such as the arms embargo still in place against Syria. There are concerns about radicalization and potential repercussions.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares highlighted that the gradual lifting of sanctions particularly affects economic reconstruction and humanitarian aid, given the dire humanitarian situation in Syria.
EU ministers agreed that the new authorities in Syria must demonstrate inclusivity and respect for human rights. The EU had previously imposed sanctions on the Assad regime in response to its repression of popular uprisings in 2011, which led to a civil conflict lasting until the regime's overthrow on December 8.
Currently, the EU enforces restrictive measures against 318 individuals and 86 entities in Syria, including asset freezes and travel bans. Sectoral sanctions remain in effect.