Syria: Council statement on the lifting of EU economic sanctions

Syria: Council statement on the lifting of EU economic

sanctions

consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/05/20/syria-council-statement-on-the-lifting-of-eu-economicsanctions

Council of the EU

Statements and remarks

20 May 2025 20:00

The EU has stood with the Syrian people throughout the last 14 years, engaging in the

search for a political solution and leading financial assistance. The EU also adopted

sanctions against Assad’s criminal regime.

Following the fall of the Assad regime, the EU has adopted a gradual and reversible

approach in order to support Syria’s transition and economic recovery. In February, the

EU suspended some of its economic sanctions.

In line with this approach, the EU announces the political decision to lift its economic

sanctions on Syria. Now is the time for the Syrian people to have the chance to reunite

and rebuild a new, inclusive, pluralistic and peaceful Syria free from harmful foreign

interference.

The EU will maintain sanctions related to the Assad regime in line with its call for

accountability as well as sanctions based on security grounds, including arms and

technology that might be used for internal repression. In addition, the EU will introduce

additional targeted restrictive measures against human rights violators and those fuelling

instability in Syria.

The EU will continue to engage with the transitional government on the steps it pursues to

fulfil the aspirations and safeguard the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all the

Syrian people, without distinction. The EU will continue monitoring developments on the

ground, including progress on accountability with regard to recent violence outbreaks, as

well as the effects of today’s decision, including in view of upcoming Foreign Affairs

Council meetings. The Council will remain seized on the matter of restrictive measures

and sanctions in the context of Syria.

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The EU remains committed and intends to take a leading role in Syria’s early recovery

and future reconstruction in line with developments on the ground.

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بيان مجلس الاتحاد الأوروبي حول رفع العقوبات الاقتصادية عن سورية، مع الإبقاء على العقوبات المتعلقة بنظام الأسد السابق.