BRUSSELS: Six European Union member states, including Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Finland, and Denmark, have called for a temporary suspension of sanctions on Syria in specific sectors, such as transport, energy, and banking, according to a document obtained by Reuters.
This proposal is set to be a key agenda item at the upcoming EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels on 27 January. The move signals a potential shift in EU policy towards Syria following significant political changes in the war-torn country.
Reassessing sanctions policy
The EU’s reconsideration of its sanctions regime follows the ousting of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad by forces led by Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS). HTS is an Islamist group designated as a terrorist organisation by the United States, the United Nations, and most other nations. Assad’s removal has prompted European leaders to reassess their approach to Syria and its evolving political landscape.
The document signed by the six nations stated that the EU “should immediately begin adjusting our sanctions regime.” It emphasised the need for the bloc to adapt to the changing situation on the ground and facilitate measures that would benefit Syria’s civilian population.
Targeted suspension of sanctions
The proposal outlines specific areas for temporary sanction relief. These include:
- Civilian air travel: Lifting restrictions to allow for the resumption of civilian flights.
- Oil and gas technology: Removing export bans on equipment essential for energy production.
- Banking channels: Reopening financial links between the EU and Syria to enable smoother transactions.
- High-value goods: Reevaluating restrictions on goods crucial for rebuilding infrastructure and economic stability.
Despite advocating for easing certain sanctions, the six nations emphasised that measures targeting members of the Assad regime and its supporters should remain in place. This distinction is intended to ensure that sanctions relief benefits the broader population rather than those previously aligned with the Assad administration.
Balancing sanctions relief with accountability
While the document calls for an immediate adjustment to the sanctions regime, it also includes provisions for accountability. It warns that if EU expectations regarding human rights and minority protections are not met, the bloc may reinstate lifted sanctions using a snapback mechanism.
This cautious approach reflects ongoing concerns about governance and accountability in Syria under the new leadership. EU leaders are keen to ensure that any sanctions relief contributes to rebuilding efforts without compromising fundamental principles such as human rights and rule of law.
Humanitarian exemptions
The push for sanctions relief follows a similar move by the United States, which recently issued a six-month sanctions exemption for transactions with governing institutions in Syria. This exemption aims to facilitate humanitarian assistance and support recovery efforts in a country grappling with years of conflict and economic collapse.
The six EU member states argued that lifting specific sanctions would enhance the flow of humanitarian aid and enable critical infrastructure repairs. They believe this approach aligns with international efforts to stabilise Syria and support its recovery.
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Broader implications
The call for sanctions relief comes at a pivotal moment for Syria and the international community. The new leadership under HTS has raised concerns about governance and stability, given the group’s controversial history and extremist roots.
Moreover, Syria faces significant economic challenges, with its infrastructure severely damaged and its population in dire need of basic services. Temporary sanctions relief could provide much-needed support for rebuilding efforts while allowing the EU to maintain pressure on individuals and entities associated with the former Assad regime.
Next steps
EU foreign ministers are expected to engage in extensive discussions on the proposal during their meeting. The outcome will likely shape the bloc’s policy towards Syria for the foreseeable future.
As the international community watches closely, the EU’s decision will signal its stance on balancing humanitarian priorities with political accountability in one of the Middle East’s most complex conflicts.
