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EU considers 'staged approach' to suspending Syria sanctions
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on January 20, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Summary
The EU is considering a phased suspension of Syria sanctions to aid its transition while keeping some leverage. Key discussions are set for Jan. 27.
EU considers 'staged approach' to suspending Syria sanctions
By Lili Bayer
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union is considering a step-by-step suspension of multiple economic sanctions targeting Syria as it seeks to support the country’s transition, while retaining some leverage, according to two internal documents seen by Reuters.
EU foreign ministers are expected to discuss suspending some Syrian sanctions during a meeting in Brussels on Jan. 27.
European capitals began reassessing their Syria policies after the ousting of president Bashar al-Assad by insurgent forces led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) that the United Nations designates a terrorist group.
The documents, produced by the bloc’s foreign policy arm ahead of the ministers’ meeting, outline options for supporting Syria’s transition and a roadmap for easing sanctions.
“Broad consensus has emerged among EU member states on the need to ease the EU’s sanctions framework in order to send a positive signal of support to the transition and new authorities,” according to the proposed roadmap.
“At the same time, several EU MS (member states) have urged for prudence and maintaining some leverage vis-à-vis the new authorities, in case things do not evolve as hoped,” it said, adding that “a staged approach should be employed”.
A political agreement could be announced at the Jan. 27 meeting.
EU sanctions include bans on oil imports from Syria, as well as a ban on investment in the Syrian oil industry and a freeze on any Syrian central bank assets in the EU.
The proposed roadmap indicates some existing sanctions, including those related to arms and entities linked to the Assad regime, would not be suspended.
Options for supporting Syria mentioned in the paper on EU efforts include boosting humanitarian aid, gradually supporting reconstruction and considering allowing Syrian refugees residing in Europe to travel back and forth during a transition period.
Six EU member states - Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands – called earlier this month for the bloc to temporarily suspend sanctions on Syria in areas including transport, energy and banking.
(Reporting by Lili Bayer; editing by Barbara Lewis)
Key Takeaways
- •EU considers a phased suspension of Syria sanctions.
- •Focus on supporting Syria's transition while retaining leverage.
- •Discussion scheduled for EU foreign ministers on Jan. 27.
- •Some sanctions, like arms bans, will remain.
- •Six EU countries advocate for temporary suspension in key sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions about EU considers 'staged approach' to suspending Syria sanctions
1What is the EU considering regarding sanctions on Syria?
The European Union is considering a step-by-step suspension of multiple economic sanctions targeting Syria to support the country's transition.
2When will EU foreign ministers discuss the sanctions?
EU foreign ministers are expected to discuss suspending some Syrian sanctions during a meeting in Brussels on January 27.
3What types of sanctions are included in the EU's current framework?
EU sanctions include bans on oil imports from Syria, a ban on investment in the Syrian oil industry, and a freeze on any Syrian central bank assets in the EU.
4What options for supporting Syria are mentioned in the EU documents?
The documents outline options such as boosting humanitarian aid, gradually supporting reconstruction, and considering allowing Syrian refugees residing in Europe to return.
5Which EU member states called for a temporary suspension of sanctions?
Six EU member states—Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands—called for the bloc to temporarily suspend sanctions on Syria in various areas.
