EU suspends key sanctions against Syria in post-Assad shift

The European Union announced Monday a partial suspension of sanctions against Syria, marking a significant shift in its approach toward the post-Assad era while maintaining key restrictions against former regime figures.

The Council of the European Union decided to ease restrictions in critical sectors including energy, transport, and banking, while extending humanitarian exemptions indefinitely. The move aims to facilitate Syria’s reconstruction and economic recovery following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government.

Syrian financial institutions at center of revoked EU sanctions

Five Syrian financial institutions — including the Industrial Bank, Popular Credit Bank, and Syrian Arab Airlines — will be removed from the E.U.’s asset freeze list. The decision also allows for limited banking relationships between Syrian and EU financial institutions to support humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts.

“The fall of the Al-Assad regime marks the beginning of a new era of hope for the Syrian people,” the Council stated in its declaration. “All Syrians, in the country and diaspora, should have the opportunity to participate in the rebuilding of their country.”

Despite the easing of some measures, the E.U. maintained several critical restrictions. Sanctions related to the former Assad regime, chemical weapons sector, and illicit drug trade remain in place. The bloc also continues to restrict arms trade, dual-use goods, and the trafficking of Syrian cultural heritage items.

The Council emphasized that future sanctions relief would depend on Syria’s progress toward an inclusive political transition. Key considerations include accountability for the former regime’s crimes, respect for human rights, and adherence to international law.

The policy shift follows the European Council’s December 19, 2024, conclusions, which highlighted “the historic opportunity for all Syrians to reunite and rebuild the country.”

The new measures will take effect following their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.