EU moves forward with aid package for Ukraine, sanctions relief for Syria

The European Union continues to navigate complex diplomatic terrain as it works towards approving a new €40 billion aid package for Ukraine while simultaneously moving forward with plans to lift sanctions against Syria.

On the subject of Ukraine, EU Foreign Ministers convened for crucial talks on the proposal, with Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Commission for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, confirming that while there is broad political support for the new tranche, significant details still need to be finalized, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"There is general political support, but there are still a lot of details to be harmonised," Kallas explained upon arriving at the meeting. She emphasized that defence ministers must still weigh in on the plan before it can proceed.

The discussions around the €40 billion package for Ukraine, which was also discussed at the EU summit on March 6, have faced delays due to unresolved issues. Despite the challenges, Kallas assured that EU leaders are committed to finalizing the plan as soon as possible. However, a major hurdle remains: Hungary has expressed firm opposition to participating in new arms deliveries to Kyiv.

This disagreement could prevent the plan from becoming a unified, pan-European effort, prompting Kallas to focus on creating a "coalition of the willing" to move forward with the proposal, potentially allowing EU countries to adjust their involvement based on individual national interests.

In a separate but related development, Kallas also addressed the ongoing issue of EU sanctions against Syria. Despite recent reports of civilian casualties in the provinces of Latakia, Tartus, Hama, and Homs earlier in March, the EU is determined to continue its strategy of gradually lifting sanctions on Syria. Kallas argued that the removal of sanctions is crucial to offering the Syrian people access to essential services, particularly in banking.

"The EU wants the Syrian authorities to punish those responsible for the bloodshed," Kallas stated, emphasizing that the EU’s approach seeks to restore hope and stability for the Syrian people, which in turn could reduce chaos in the country.

By Vafa Guliyeva