European Union Lifts Economic Sanctions on Syria Amid Ongoing Security Concerns
The decision aims to support Syria's reconstruction following the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad while maintaining security-related sanctions.
On May 28, 2025, the European Union officially lifted economic sanctions on Syria in a move aimed at facilitating the country's recovery and transformation following the departure of former President Bashar al-Assad.
This decision follows a political agreement reached by EU foreign ministers the previous week, which outlined the terms for the lifting of these sanctions.
The Council of the European Union announced that while economic sanctions would be lifted, sanctions related to the Assad government and security concerns would remain in place.
Furthermore, new sanctions targeting individuals and entities linked to a wave of violence that erupted in March 2025 have been introduced.
The Council emphasized its commitment to monitor the on-ground developments closely and is prepared to impose additional measures against human rights violators and those exacerbating instability in Syria.
Key highlights of the European decision include:
- The lifting of economic sanctions which encompasses the removal of restrictions on financial and energy sectors.
Furthermore, 24 entities were delisted from the sanctions list, including the Central Bank of Syria and several companies operating in oil, cotton, and telecommunications.
- Security-related sanctions remain in effect, including asset freezes and travel bans on individuals and entities connected to the former regime.
In the context of these developments, the European Union has imposed new sanctions on two individuals and three armed groups alleged to be involved in attacks against civilians in the coastal region near Latakia in March 2025.
The list announced by the European Council includes Mahmud Hussein Jassem (Abu Amsha), leader of the 'Sultan Suleiman Shah Brigade', and Seif Bolad Abu Bakr, commander of the 'Hamzah Brigade'.
Meanwhile, on the American front, the administration of former President Donald Trump issued orders last Friday that effectively led to the lifting of many sanctions imposed on Syria, driven by Trump's earlier commitment to assist the nation in rebuilding after a protracted and devastating civil war.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury released a general license permitting transactions involving the temporary Syrian government led by President Ahmad al-Shara, as well as the Central Bank and state-owned enterprises.
This general license has been described as a means to enable new investments and activities in line with the 'America First' strategy.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement announcing a 180-day exemption from sanctions imposed under the Caesar Act, ensuring that sanctions would not hinder investments and facilitate access to electricity, energy, water, healthcare, and humanitarian efforts within Syria.
Rubio stated that these actions represent a preliminary step toward reshaping U.S.-Syria relations.
In a related diplomatic development, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received U.S. envoy to Syria Tom Barak in Riyadh to discuss humanitarian and economic support for the Syrian population during this critical transition period.
The talks highlighted broad consensus on various issues and underscored the importance of international collaboration in supporting Syrian recovery efforts.
The U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barak, reiterated the American administration's commitment to lifting sanctions as part of a new engagement strategy toward Syria, following his discussions with President Ahmad al-Shara in Turkey.
Simultaneously, security operations have been ramped up in Syria, particularly in Daraa, where internal security forces have launched campaigns to eliminate illegal weaponry and restore order amidst rising unrest.
Recent security initiatives have led to the arrest of around 30 individuals involved in activities threatening state security.
These sweeping measures emphasize the complexities of establishing stability in post-civil war Syria, where disarmament and addressing human rights concerns remain highly critical.
This decision follows a political agreement reached by EU foreign ministers the previous week, which outlined the terms for the lifting of these sanctions.
The Council of the European Union announced that while economic sanctions would be lifted, sanctions related to the Assad government and security concerns would remain in place.
Furthermore, new sanctions targeting individuals and entities linked to a wave of violence that erupted in March 2025 have been introduced.
The Council emphasized its commitment to monitor the on-ground developments closely and is prepared to impose additional measures against human rights violators and those exacerbating instability in Syria.
Key highlights of the European decision include:
- The lifting of economic sanctions which encompasses the removal of restrictions on financial and energy sectors.
Furthermore, 24 entities were delisted from the sanctions list, including the Central Bank of Syria and several companies operating in oil, cotton, and telecommunications.
- Security-related sanctions remain in effect, including asset freezes and travel bans on individuals and entities connected to the former regime.
In the context of these developments, the European Union has imposed new sanctions on two individuals and three armed groups alleged to be involved in attacks against civilians in the coastal region near Latakia in March 2025.
The list announced by the European Council includes Mahmud Hussein Jassem (Abu Amsha), leader of the 'Sultan Suleiman Shah Brigade', and Seif Bolad Abu Bakr, commander of the 'Hamzah Brigade'.
Meanwhile, on the American front, the administration of former President Donald Trump issued orders last Friday that effectively led to the lifting of many sanctions imposed on Syria, driven by Trump's earlier commitment to assist the nation in rebuilding after a protracted and devastating civil war.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury released a general license permitting transactions involving the temporary Syrian government led by President Ahmad al-Shara, as well as the Central Bank and state-owned enterprises.
This general license has been described as a means to enable new investments and activities in line with the 'America First' strategy.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement announcing a 180-day exemption from sanctions imposed under the Caesar Act, ensuring that sanctions would not hinder investments and facilitate access to electricity, energy, water, healthcare, and humanitarian efforts within Syria.
Rubio stated that these actions represent a preliminary step toward reshaping U.S.-Syria relations.
In a related diplomatic development, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received U.S. envoy to Syria Tom Barak in Riyadh to discuss humanitarian and economic support for the Syrian population during this critical transition period.
The talks highlighted broad consensus on various issues and underscored the importance of international collaboration in supporting Syrian recovery efforts.
The U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barak, reiterated the American administration's commitment to lifting sanctions as part of a new engagement strategy toward Syria, following his discussions with President Ahmad al-Shara in Turkey.
Simultaneously, security operations have been ramped up in Syria, particularly in Daraa, where internal security forces have launched campaigns to eliminate illegal weaponry and restore order amidst rising unrest.
Recent security initiatives have led to the arrest of around 30 individuals involved in activities threatening state security.
These sweeping measures emphasize the complexities of establishing stability in post-civil war Syria, where disarmament and addressing human rights concerns remain highly critical.
