EU lifts most economic sanctions on Syria, maintaining security-related restrictions

The Council of the European Union has adopted legal measures to lift nearly all economic sanctions on Syria, excluding those based on security grounds.

This move formalises the political decision announced on May 20, 2025 and aims to support the Syrian people in rebuilding a new, inclusive, pluralistic, and peaceful nation, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Council of the European Union.

Alongside this, the Council removed 24 entities from the EU’s list subject to asset freezes. Among these are several banks, including the Central Bank of Syria, and companies involved in key sectors crucial to Syria’s economic recovery, such as oil production and refining, cotton, and telecommunications. Media and TV outlets were also among those delisted.

Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and President of the Foreign Affairs Council, said:

“This decision is simply the right thing to do, at this historic time, for the EU to genuinely support Syria’s recovery and a political transition that fulfils the aspirations of all Syrians. The EU has stood with the Syrian people throughout the last 14 years, and it will continue to do so. Today the EU reaffirms its commitment as a partner for the transition, one that helps the Syrian people to reunite and rebuild a new, inclusive, peaceful Syria.”

In line with its commitment to accountability and a peaceful transition, the Council extended the listings of individuals and entities linked to the Assad regime until 1 June 2026. Additionally, in response to the wave of violence in Syria’s coastal region in March 2025, the Council introduced new sanctions under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, targeting two individuals and three entities accused of serious human rights abuses.

The Council said it will continue to monitor developments in Syria and is prepared to impose further restrictive measures on human rights violators and those contributing to instability.

The legal acts will be published shortly in the Official Journal.

The EU has supported the Syrian people for more than 14 years, actively engaging in efforts to find a political solution while providing financial aid. Following the fall of the Assad regime, the Council eased some restrictive measures on February 24, 2025, to facilitate engagement with Syria’s people and businesses.

The political decision to lift economic sanctions, announced on 20 May 2025, represents a historic shift in the EU’s approach, aimed at backing Syria’s transition and recovery.

The EU has maintained its focus on accountability for the Assad regime’s crimes and closely monitored the situation on the ground, including actions by transitional authorities following recent violence. The EU has also emphasised its readiness to engage with Syria’s transitional government to support a peaceful and inclusive future free from harmful foreign interference.