EU set to lift sanctions against Syria, announces foreign policy chief

The European Union has decided to lift its economic sanctions on Syria, marking a pivotal moment in the bloc's relations with the war-torn country.

This announcement was made by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, as she arrived for a meeting of EU foreign and defence ministers, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"We intend to lift economic sanctions against Syria today," Kallas stated, confirming that the decision would be formalized during the meeting.

The move comes on the heels of a surprising decision by the United Kingdom, which recently removed sanctions on several key Syrian state institutions. The UK's finance ministry published a notice confirming the lifting of restrictions on entities such as the Syrian Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, and a range of media outlets, including the state-run ORTAS television and radio company, Sama TV, and the Al Watan newspaper. These institutions had been subject to UK sanctions as part of the broader EU and international measures aimed at pressuring the Syrian government over its ongoing civil conflict.

A special provision would grant EU member states greater flexibility in their dealings with Syrian state-owned entities, particularly in relation to the destruction of chemical weapons. Under the new proposal, sanctions on the Commercial Bank of Syria would be lifted, while measures targeting individuals connected to Assad's former administration would remain in place.

Additionally, discussions are ongoing regarding the potential removal of sanctions on Syria's central bank, according to three diplomats. Germany, Italy, and Austria have jointly circulated a document, advocating for the removal of sanctions on Syria's central bank and other financial institutions.

The lifting of sanctions marks a notable shift in international diplomatic dynamics regarding Syria. 

By Vafa Guliyeva