The Council of the European Union announced on Monday its decision to suspend a range of restrictive measures, aiming to support Syria’s economic recovery, stabilisation, and inclusive political transition. 

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

As part of this decision, the EU has chosen to temporarily lift sectoral sanctions affecting key economic areas, such as energy and transport. The suspension is intended to facilitate engagement with Syria's people, businesses, and government, especially in these crucial sectors.

The EU’s initiative includes several specific actions to encourage Syria’s economic revitalisation:

• Suspension of Sectoral Sanctions: The Council has decided to suspend measures targeting Syria's energy (including oil, gas, and electricity) and transport sectors, enabling smoother economic transactions in these vital areas.

• Removal of Entities from the Sanctions List: Five key Syrian entities—the Industrial Bank, Popular Credit Bank, Saving Bank, Agricultural Cooperative Bank, and Syrian Arab Airlines—have been removed from the EU’s sanctions list. These moves aim to reintegrate these institutions into the global financial system and assist with the country’s recovery.

• Relaxation of Banking Restrictions: The EU will allow certain banking transactions between Syrian banks and financial institutions within EU member states, focusing on transactions related to the energy and transport sectors, as well as those necessary for humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts.

• Extension of Humanitarian Exemption: The EU has also extended indefinitely the application of its existing humanitarian exemption, ensuring that vital aid can continue to reach the Syrian people without impediments.

• Exemption for Personal Goods: The EU has introduced an exemption for the export of luxury goods to Syria for personal use, in a further effort to support the country’s gradual economic recovery.

Looking ahead, the Council has pledged to continue assessing the situation in Syria to determine whether additional sanctions can be lifted. "The Council will pursue its work and monitor the situation closely to ensure that the suspensions remain appropriate," it added.

Despite these significant moves, the EU has maintained certain sanctions. The Council continues to uphold measures targeting the Al-Assad regime, the chemical weapons sector, the illicit drug trade, and the arms trade. It has also retained restrictions on dual-use goods, internal repression equipment, surveillance software, and the import/export of Syrian cultural heritage items.

The decision to ease some sanctions follows the European Council’s conclusions from December 2024, which stressed the historic opportunity for Syrians to reunite and rebuild their country. The EU has expressed its support for an inclusive, Syrian-led political process that aligns with the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.

The relevant legal acts will be published in the Official Journal of the EU on Tuesday, marking an important step forward in Syria’s transition and the EU’s continued commitment to its people.