EU ministers weigh sanctions relief to revive Syria's war-torn economy

On January 27, EU foreign ministers convened to discuss a six-step plan aimed at easing sanctions on Syria, with Austria and Italy leading calls for a "prompt and substantial" lifting of the measures to support the country’s post-war recovery.

The EU imposed stringent sanctions on Syria’s economy under the regime of Bashar al-Assad, but following the overthrow of the dictator in December by forces led by Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the sanctions are now under review, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

HTS, which has been designated as a terrorist group by the EU and UN due to its historic ties to al-Qaeda, has since split from the terrorist network in 2016. The EU’s foreign service has proposed a six-phase “road map” to ease sanctions gradually, with the goal of incentivizing a peaceful transition and supporting reconstruction efforts. However, key sanctions, including the arms embargo and measures targeting Assad regime officials, would remain in place.

The proposal, referred to as “broad suspension — minus X,” could receive political approval during today’s meeting, although the technical details and legal processes will be finalized by EU member states before June.

Austria’s Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, alongside his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani, strongly advocated for the comprehensive easing of sanctions in a letter to EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas. They argued that lifting the sanctions would facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and encourage foreign investment in Syria’s rebuilding process.

“We strongly advocate for a comprehensive easing of the EU sanctions regime towards Syria,” Schallenberg and Tajani wrote. “This will allow for better access to humanitarian assistance and could provide a much-needed boost to foreign investment in the country’s recovery.”

Despite the push from Vienna and Rome, other EU capitals remain cautious, particularly towards HTS and the evolving governance structures in Syria after Assad’s fall. An EU official involved in the negotiations commented, “There are strong political signals that sanctions will be lifted, but at the same time, there are a lot of uncertainties [about HTS]. The sequencing and speed are for member states to decide.”

Schallenberg echoed this cautious optimism, stating, “Syria stands at the crossroads. We are not naive: If the new leadership in Damascus fails to meet its obligations, the measures will be reinstated.”

The EU's cautious approach to Syria comes amid broader global political dynamics, as the EU seeks to balance humanitarian needs with long-term stability in the region. As negotiations continue, the EU will monitor the situation closely, with the outcome of today's meeting setting the stage for further developments in Syria’s post-war recovery.

By Aghakazim Guliyev