EU decides to lift economic sanctions on Syria

European Union (EU) foreign ministers agreed on Tuesday to lift economic sanctions against Syria, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced.

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

This shift by the European Union in its foreign policy comes after US President Donald Trump stressed last week that he would order the lifting of US sanctions on Syria.

"The EU has always been by the side of the Syrians over the past 14 years - and will continue to be," Kallas said.

The European Union has already eased sanctions related to energy, transport and reconstruction, as well as related financial transactions, but some capitals have argued that they were insufficient to support Syria's political change and economic recovery.

"The EU wants to start over with Syria... but we also expect a comprehensive policy within the country, involving all population groups and religious groups," German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said in a written statement.

"For us it is important that a united Syria can take its future into its own hands," he added.

Syria's new leaders have been pressing for the lifting of international sanctions, which were imposed because the country's former president, Bashar al-Assad, had suppressed opponents, plunging the country into civil war.

But diplomats said the EU intends to impose new individual sanctions on those responsible for stoking ethnic tensions, following deadly attacks on the Alawite minority.

Other measures against the Assad regime and banning the sale of weapons or equipment that could be used to suppress civilians are expected to remain in place.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said after the EU decision that the lifting of economic sanctions shows "international will" to support Damascus.

Shaibani added that "the Syrian people today have a very important and historic opportunity to rebuild their country."/ REL (A2 Televizion)