EU lifts remaining economic sanctions on Syria to support political transition

The European Union has lifted all remaining economic sanctions on Syria, except those targeting the Assad regime and specific security-related measures, in a move aimed at supporting the country’s political transition and economic recovery, the EU Council announced in conclusions adopted on June 23.

According to the Council’s statement, the decision reflects the EU’s commitment to back Syria’s transition toward a peaceful, inclusive, Syrian-led future. The EU underlined that the lifting of sanctions is intended to facilitate swift reconstruction and stabilisation while maintaining pressure for accountability and human rights protections, Caliber.Az reports.

In parallel, the bloc imposed new sanctions against individuals and groups responsible for human rights violations and for fueling instability and violence, citing the recent surge in violence in Syria’s coastal regions and around Damascus.

The EU reiterated its condemnation of any foreign military presence or unilateral actions undermining Syria’s sovereignty and stability, and urged all external actors to respect the country’s territorial integrity.

It also reaffirmed its readiness to engage with the transitional government in regional and multilateral fora, welcoming its stated commitments to national reconciliation, rule of law, human rights, and peaceful international relations.

On the humanitarian front, the EU voiced deep concern over the ongoing crisis, noting that 90 per cent of Syrians now live below the poverty line, with 16.5 million reliant on aid. The bloc has mobilised nearly €37 billion in humanitarian, development, and stabilisation support since 2011.

Addressing the refugee situation, the Council stressed that conditions are not yet in place for safe, voluntary large-scale returns, reaffirming its support for host countries and adherence to the principle of non-refoulement.

Finally, the EU announced plans to reopen its diplomatic mission in Damascus “as soon as possible,” underlining its long-term commitment to Syria’s future.

By Sabina Mammadli