EU considers easing sanctions to facilitate humanitarian aid to Syria: French FM

France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced that European Union sanctions obstructing humanitarian aid and Syria’s recovery could be lifted swiftly. Speaking to France Inter radio, Barrot said the E.U. is considering easing sanctions that impact humanitarian efforts while leaving political restrictions tied to the transition process in place.

Why it matters

Syria is grappling with severe power shortages and economic collapse, with humanitarian aid crucial for recovery. Easing sanctions could facilitate the flow of aid, improve energy supplies, and support rebuilding efforts. However, lifting broader sanctions depends on Syria’s political transition and adherence to E.U. expectations on issues like women’s rights and security.

Details

• E.U. considerations: Barrot confirmed discussions with European partners on lifting sanctions that hinder humanitarian aid. However, broader sanctions linked to Syria’s political transition remain conditional.
• Diplomatic discussions: Three European diplomats said the E.U. aims to lift some sanctions by the January 27 meeting of the bloc’s foreign ministers in Brussels.
• Focus areas:
  • Facilitating financial transactions.
  • Easing restrictions on air transport.
  • Reducing energy sector sanctions to improve power supplies.

Background

• Severe power shortages: Most areas in Syria receive only two to three hours of electricity per day. The caretaker government has pledged to increase supply to eight hours daily within two months.
• U.S. sanctions waivers: On Monday, the U.S. issued six-month waivers allowing certain energy transactions and personal remittances to Syria until July 7. These waivers aim to facilitate humanitarian assistance but do not lift existing sanctions.
• Syria’s political transition: The E.U.’s broader sanction relief hinges on how Syria’s new leadership, under de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, manages the transition process and meets E.U. expectations.

Zoom out

The E.U.’s potential decision aligns with broader international efforts to address Syria’s humanitarian crisis while balancing political accountability. As sanctions debates unfold, the country’s recovery depends on international coordination, political reforms, and sustained humanitarian support.