The Media Line: EU Lifts Sanctions on Syria To Support Post-Assad Reconstruction 

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EU Lifts Sanctions on Syria To Support Post-Assad Reconstruction 

By The Media Line Staff 

The European Union on Wednesday lifted most economic sanctions on Syria in a move meant to accelerate reconstruction efforts and support a fragile political transition following the ousting of former President Bashar Assad. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the policy shift, which allows the Syrian Central Bank and other institutions to reenter European financial markets, as a way for Europe to “genuinely support Syria’s recovery and a political transition that fulfills the aspirations of all Syrians.” 

“Today the EU reaffirms its commitment as a partner for the transition, one that helps the Syrian people to reunite and rebuild a new, inclusive, peaceful Syria,” Kallas said, describing the lifting of sanctions as “simply the right thing to do.” 

The EU’s move closely follows a similar step by the United States, which granted six-month exemptions to long-standing sanctions. The lifting of sanctions will contribute to Syria’s ability to reconstruct after a civil war that lasted more than a decade—something the UN estimated in 2017 would cost at least $250 billion. According to the UN, more than 90% of Syrians live in poverty. 

The EU move retains sanctions tied to security concerns, including those on Assad’s extended family and Syria’s chemical weapons program. The EU also imposed new sanctions on two rebel leaders—Mohammad Hussein al-Jasim and Sayf Bulad—as well as three armed factions accused of targeting civilians, particularly Alawites, during a wave of violence in March near Latakia.