- 17:05
The 27-member European Union agreed on Monday on a "roadmap" to gradually ease sanctions on key sectors of the Syrian economy that were imposed under the former regime of Bashar al-Assad. However, the EU has ruled out any unconditional lifting of these measures. The process will be gradual and subject to strict conditions. In other words, the bloc is not willing to give the new Syrian authorities a blank check, as their ability to govern effectively still needs to be demonstrated.
The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, made the bloc’s position clear: “We want to move quickly, but if Ahmad al-Sharaa’s new leadership makes the wrong decisions, sanctions can be reinstated,” she warned. “If we see meaningful progress, we’ll be ready to take further steps — but there must also be a fallback plan.”
The EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, acknowledged the skepticism but emphasized: “It’s understandable not to believe in this process. However, we cannot turn our backs on Syria when it needs help the most. We must support it — but with clear-eyed realism.”
In principle, the sanctions would be suspended for one year, covering key sectors such as transportation, energy and finance.
A Pragmatic Approach
This initiative reflects the West's aim to retain leverage over Syria's new administration, having previously used sanctions as a pressure tactic against the former regime. "It’s a carrot-and-stick policy," sums up an anonymous observer.
According to the same source, the European Union aims to take the lead in international and regional efforts for Syria's reconstruction. This strategy is based on a simple fact: “Syria’s stability benefits not only the Syrians and the region, but also Europe, which wants to avoid new waves of migration that could threaten its political stability. Additionally, an economic recovery would open up investment opportunities for European businesses.”
With this in mind, lifting — or at least suspending — the sanctions could be considered, but only if the new Syrian authorities commit clearly to following the EU’s roadmap.
The United States and the EU
The Europeans likely wouldn't have moved to suspend certain sanctions without the example set by the United States. On January 7, the US Department of Treasury issued a six-month license allowing a targeted easing of sanctions on Damascus. This measure is designed to support essential activities aimed at addressing humanitarian needs, such as providing public services and distributing aid.
It’s important to highlight that this easing is limited and does not represent a full lifting of sanctions. Those targeting specific individuals and entities, such as Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian government, the Central Bank of Syria and Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), remain in effect. The US government will closely monitor developments on the ground over the next six months.
This decision reflects the US’ commitment to supporting the Syrian people in building a safer, more stable future, while continuing to apply pressure on those responsible for past atrocities.
EU Conditions
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot quickly outlined the conditions set by the "European club," which received broad support from member states. He stressed that "the suspension of sanctions must be linked to the establishment of an inclusive political transition for all Syrians, as well as the implementation of strict measures to ensure security, continue the fight against terrorism, especially ISIS, and ensure the destruction of the former Syrian regime's chemical weapon stockpiles."
Signs of Goodwill
Syria's de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, has been making several goodwill gestures in an effort to secure the definitive lifting of sanctions that have affected the country’s economy since 2011.
To his distinguished guests, the new Syrian leader has repeatedly expressed his determination to rebuild the nation and his desire to establish a "partnership" with Europe, aiming to become its "ally" in the Middle East.
On Wednesday, Syria took another significant step toward "rebuilding a democratic country." The new authorities dissolved the Baath Party, which had governed the country for over 60 years. They also announced the dissolution of the former Parliament, the suspension of the 2012 Constitution and the appointment of Ahmad al-Sharaa as interim president during the transition period, the duration of which has yet to be specified.
Most notably, they declared the dissolution of the regime's Army and all associated security agencies.
Syria and Russia
At the same time, it seems that the West is linking its approach to easing sanctions to how the new Syrian government handles the Russian military presence on its territory, particularly in the eastern Mediterranean, at the Hmeimim base near Latakia, and at the port of Tartus.
The European Union is reportedly considering using sanctions as leverage to pressure the Syrian government into ending this presence. According to the Russian news agency TASS, an EU official recently stated that the EU had informed the new Syrian administration that sanctions would not be lifted unless the Russian military presence in Syria comes to an end. The official emphasized that the Union is "closely monitoring the situation" and added, "We’ve already made it clear to the Syrian authorities that the normalization process is contingent on the removal of all forms of foreign presence, whether military or otherwise."
On Tuesday evening, Russia announced that further consultations were needed on the issue of maintaining its military bases in Syria, as a Moscow delegation held talks with Ahmad al-Sharaa in Damascus.
While the international community continues to debate the sanctions, it is crucial not to overlook their direct impact on the lives of the Syrian people.
Comments