BRUSSELS — On Monday, the European Union initiated the process of relaxing certain energy, transportation, and banking sanctions against Syria. This move aims to revitalize the economy of the war-torn nation, contingent upon the commitment of its new leadership to pursue a peaceful and democratic future.
The EU first imposed sanctions against Syrian officials, banks, and various organizations back in 2011, as a response to the severe crackdown on protesters led by then-President Bashar Assad, which subsequently escalated into a full-scale civil war.
However, following the overthrow of Assad in a swift offensive by rebel forces last December, the primary former rebel faction, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has established an interim governance structure. This administration has pledged to create a new government through an inclusive approach by March.
In a bid to support this transitional leadership, the EU announced that it would be suspending sanctions related to oil, gas, electricity, and transportation, particularly within the aviation sector. They will also re-establish the opportunity for five banks to receive funding and certain economic resources.
Additionally, the EU has decided to relax restrictions on the export of luxury items for personal use to Syria. This decision was reached during a meeting of EU foreign ministers who expressed their intention to support a political transition in Syria, as well as facilitate its economic recovery, reconstruction, and stabilization.
The EU will continue to monitor the evolving situation in Syria and retains the option to reimpose sanctions if the new leadership veers away from its commitments. Recently appointed interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa was selected during a gathering of most of the previous rebel factions, which also agreed to dissolve the current constitution, national army, security services, and existing political parties.
There has been increasing international pressure on al-Sharaa to fulfill his promises regarding an inclusive political transition. U.N. special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has indicated that the establishment of a “new inclusive government” by March 1 could significantly influence the prospects for lifting Western sanctions moving forward.
