The European Union is scrapping all economic sanctions against Syria. The EU member states decided on Tuesday to end the measures, EU diplomats confirm to press agency ANP. The Netherlands was strongly against this, but has nevertheless agreed.
All member states must agree to the lifting of sanctions. The EU had previously withdrawn some sanctions against Syria. This happened after the fall of dictator Bashar Al Assad and the arrival of an interim government.
EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said earlier on Tuesday that she hoped the EU member states would agree on lifting the sanctions, even though there are concerns about whether the current Syrian government is “going in the right direction.” According to Kallas, the member states have held “a number of very intensive discussions” about those concerns.
But according to Kallas, there is no alternative. “Either we give them the opportunity to stabilize the country, or we don’t. And then we have something we have in Afghanistan.” She is referring to the reign of terror of the Taliban, who have been in power in Afghanistan since August 2021.
“We want there to be jobs and livelihoods for the people, so that Syria becomes more stable,” Kallas believes. “That is why we must lift the sanctions.”
New Sanctions If Syria Goes In The Wrong Direction
The EU ministers of Foreign Affairs must formally agree to the ambassadors’ decision on Tuesday afternoon. A number of conditions have been included in the agreement. If Syria still goes in the wrong direction with the new regime, new sanctions will be introduced quickly, insiders report to ANP. The EU ministers of Foreign Affairs are closely monitoring developments.
Last week, US President Donald Trump already announced that the United States would scrap all sanctions against Syria. “We’re taking them all off,” Trump said. “Good luck, Syria. Show us something very special.”