European Union foreign ministers have decided to reduce economic sanctions on Syria, which is a critical shift for the bloc after more than a decade of civil war combating a brutal regime.
“We want to help the Syrian people rebuild a new, inclusive and peaceful Syria,” said Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, in a post on social media after the decision was made public on Tuesday.
The announcement came after U.S. President Donald Trump said last week he would also move to lift American sanctions on Syria. The EU now seems ready to follow suit.
Some Sanctions Stay, Others Go
While the EU plans to ease its economic restrictions, it isn’t letting go of everything. In a statement, the Council said sanctions tied directly to the Assad regime will remain, along with those imposed for security reasons, such as bans on weapons and surveillance tools that could be used for internal crackdowns.
At the same time, the bloc plans to introduce new targeted measures against people and groups accused of human rights violations or contributing to ongoing instability.
Syria Welcomes the Shift
The Syrian government quickly responded to the decision, calling it a positive step toward normalizing relations with Europe.
Foreign Minister Assad al-Shibani said on X (formerly Twitter) that the EU’s move would help strengthen Syria’s security and stability. Later, the foreign ministry said lifting the sanctions could open the door to greater cooperation with European businesses and investors.
“The Syrian government stands ready to enhance collaborative ties with European businesses and investors, fostering an environment conducive to economic revitalisation and sustainable development,” the ministry said in a statement.
Pressure to Do More
While the EU has already relaxed some restrictions over the past few years, particularly those related to energy, transport, and reconstruction, several member states argued the efforts hadn’t gone far enough to support Syria’s recovery.
Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described the new approach as a “fresh start” but made clear that reforms inside Syria must follow.
“We also expect an inclusive policy within the country that includes all population groups and religious groups,” he said. “It is important to us that a united Syria can thus take its future into its own hands.”
A Strategic Pivot
This represents a significant change in Europe’s position.Even while the EU continues to hold Assad’s government accountable over years of violence and oppression, it is now focusing on the longer-term objective of reconstructing the nation.
The EU hopes to be able to support regular Syrians, while maintaining its calls for political reform and protection of human rights, by aligning its response and taking an ambling response of sanctions.
