BRUSSELS — On Monday, foreign ministers from the European Union reached an agreement to begin the process of relaxing sanctions imposed on Syria. However, they emphasized the necessity of reinstating these measures should any misconduct be detected from the nation’s new leadership.
The EU’s imposition of asset freezes and travel bans on Syrian officials and organizations began in 2011, prompted by President Bashar Assad’s severe response to public protests, which ultimately escalated into a prolonged civil conflict.
The 27-member bloc has placed sanctions on 316 individuals and 86 organizations that are believed to support the previous regime. Their intent is to lift these restrictions if Syria’s new authorities are willing to steer the nation towards a political future that is inclusive of all minority communities, while simultaneously deterring extremism and the influence of past allies, such as Russia and Iran.
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, mentioned that the ministers have established a “roadmap” aimed at reducing sanctions. In her remarks following the meeting she chaired, she explained that the goal is to eliminate those restrictions that are severely limiting the country’s early reconstruction efforts and to move from that point forward.
Kallas further stressed that the ministers have only come to a “political agreement,” rather than a decision to immediately lift the sanctions. She noted that there are still “technical issues to be addressed” in the upcoming weeks before any removal of the sanctions can occur.
She posited that easing sanctions might stimulate Syria’s economy and assist in its recovery. Nonetheless, she cautioned, “While we aim to move swiftly, we remain prepared to reverse our approach should conditions deteriorate.”
The foreign ministers supported the establishment of a “snap-back” mechanism, allowing for the reimposition of sanctions if the new Syrian leadership appears to be steering the country off course.
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp elucidated that the focus would be on lifting restrictions affecting Syria’s infrastructure and energy sectors to facilitate the country’s development. He also clarified that certain sanctions, particularly those related to weapons exports, will remain in effect.
Since the takeover of Damascus on December 8 and Assad’s subsequent flight to Moscow, there have been promising developments in Syria’s transition. However, the new administration has yet to present a comprehensive plan regarding the governance of the country.
The Islamic militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former affiliate of al-Qaida that is classified as a terrorist organization by both the EU and the U.N., has emerged as the de facto rulers of Syria after collaborating with southern forces during the offensive late last year.
Veldkamp stated that the sanctions against HTS would not be lifted initially. “They are the new authorities in control. We want to observe how their declarations are put into practice,” he explained to the media.
