Sanctions off: EU hopes to spur Syria’s economic revival

Shafaq News/ On
Tuesday, the European Union announced the reversal of all economic sanctions on
Syria to “facilitate” economic recovery, days after a similar move by the
United States.

The decision will
restore Syria’s access to global financial systems and unfreeze central bank
assets, while core restrictions, such as the arms embargo and a ban on dual-use
equipment, will remain.

“The aim is to ease
pressure on the Syrian people, not to endorse Damascus,” a senior EU official
said. “Measures could be reinstated if commitments on minority rights and
democratic reforms are not upheld.”

New targeted
sanctions will also be imposed on Syrian officials accused of inciting ethnic
violence, following recent attacks on the country’s Alawite minority.

Syrian Foreign
Minister Assad al-Shibani welcomed the decision in a statement on X, calling it
“a historic achievement” and crediting it with paving the way for “stability,
security, and growth.”

The Syrian civil war
has killed more than 350,000 people and displaced millions.