EU agrees to lift economic sanctions on Syria: foreign policy chief Kallas

EU foreign ministers on Tuesday agreed to lift economic sanctions on Syria, the bloc's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says.

"We want to help the Syrian people rebuild a new, inclusive and peaceful Syria," Kallas said in a post on social media platform X after discussions with ministers in Brussels.

The EU's policy shift comes after President Donald Trump said last week he would order the lifting of US sanctions on Syria after its 14-year civil war.

"The EU has always stood by Syrians throughout the past 14 years and will keep doing so," Kallas said.

In a statement announcing the political decision to lift economic sanctions, the Council said the EU will keep sanctions related to former president Bashar al-Assad's regime "and sanctions based on security grounds, including arms and technology that might be used for internal repression".

The bloc will also "introduce additional targeted restrictive measures against human rights violators and those fuelling instability in Syria", the statement said.

Syria's foreign minister Assad al-Shibani said on X the EU's decision would bolster Syria's security and stability.

The Syrian foreign ministry later said the lifting of sanctions would open new avenues for engagement.

"The Syrian government stands ready to enhance collaborative ties with European businesses and investors, fostering an environment conducive to economic revitalisation and sustainable development," the ministry said.

The EU has eased sanctions related to energy, transport and reconstruction, and associated financial transactions, but some capitals have argued the measures were insufficient to help support Syria's political transition and economic recovery.

"The EU wants to make a fresh start with Syria, but we also expect an inclusive policy within the country that includes all population groups and religious groups," Germany's foreign minister Johann Wadephul said in a written statement.

"It is important to us that a united Syria can take its future into its own hands."

Reuters