“We want to help the Syrian people rebuild a new, inclusive and peaceful Syria” – Kallas donated on platform X. She reminded that the EU has been supporting Syrians for 14 years and is still going to do it.
Sanctions were imposed in response to the brutal actions of the regime against opponents during the civil war that broke out after the Arab Spring protests in 2011. The restrictions included, among others Cutting out Syrian institutions from the Western banking system, which effectively blocked the implementation of foreign transactions.
The EU gives Syria a chance
During the press conference, Kallas stipulated that the decision to abolish the sanctions is conditional and could be withdrawn if the situation does not improve. “The situation in Syria is not perfect, but the EU decided to give the Syrian a chance” – she pointed out.
The ministers also decided to allocate EUR 18 million from the EU budget to improve living conditions in the camps where fighters and their families stay.
The abolition of sanctions was to occur formally in June, but the EU had already loosened some restrictions – including enabling energy export to Syria. However, bans on the sale of weapons are still to apply.
The head of Syrian diplomacy Asaad Al-Szibani thanked the Union for this decision, emphasizing that “it would contribute to strengthening safety and stability in Syria.”
The US was the first to endure sanctions
The first country that announced the abolition of sanctions was the United States. This information was provided by President Donald Trump on the eve of the planned meeting with the temporary President of Syria Ahmed Al-Shara in Riyadh. It was the first meeting of US and Syria leaders for 25 years. The Secretary of State of the US justified this decision with the fear of the collapse of the Syrian state.
Ahmed al-Szara, who in December 2024 overthrew the Assad regime, directing the coalition of Islamist rebels, from the beginning of his temporary presidency has been distancing itself from extremist groups and declares their willingness to rebuild the country in cooperation with the West. In his opinion, the abolition of sanctions is a key step to starting the reconstruction and reconciliation process after almost 14 years of conflict.
