The Council of the European Union has decided today to suspend a number of restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria, with the aim to support an inclusive political transition in Syria, and its swift economic recovery, reconstruction, and stabilisation.
"The EU aims to facilitate engagement with Syria, its people, and businesses, in key areas of energy and transport, as well as to facilitate financial and banking transactions associated with such sectors and those needed for humanitarian and reconstruction purposes," - the Council said in its statement.
The Council has decided to implement the following measures:
- Suspend sectoral restrictions in the energy sector (including oil, gas, and electricity) and the transport sector.
- Remove five entities—Industrial Bank, Popular Credit Bank, Saving Bank, Agricultural Cooperative Bank, and Syrian Arab Airlines—from the list of those subject to asset freezes and economic restrictions, while also permitting the allocation of funds and economic resources to the Syrian Central Bank.
- Introduce exemptions to the prohibition on banking relations between Syrian banks and financial institutions within member states, allowing transactions related to the energy and transport sectors, as well as those necessary for humanitarian and reconstruction efforts.
- Permanently extend the existing humanitarian exemption to ensure continued support.
- Introduce an exemption for personal use regarding the export prohibition of luxury goods to Syria.
At the same time, the Council will maintain sanctions related to the Al-Assad regime, the chemical weapons sector, and the illicit drug trade. Additionally, several sectoral measures will remain in place, including restrictions on the arms trade, dual-use goods, equipment for internal repression, software for interception and surveillance, and the import/export of Syrian cultural heritage items.
EU restrictive measures have been used as a tool against the Al-Assad regime, responsible for the violent repression of the Syrian civil population.
The European Union is prepared to retaliate against U.S. tariffs but prefers a negotiated resolution, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. She warned that U.S. tariffs would fuel inflation and harm jobs while urging the EU to remove internal trade barriers.
The first summit between the leaders of the EU and the five countries of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) will take place on 4th April in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
On March 31, 2025, European diplomats met in Madrid to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine and the need for Russia to agree to a ceasefire.
European leaders, including Kaja Kallas and Jean-Noel Barrot, are urging Russia to show goodwill by agreeing to a ceasefire in Ukraine and making humanitarian gestures like returning deported Ukrainian children and releasing prisoners of war.
China has urged the EU to join forces in resisting U.S. protectionism and safeguarding global trade, as Vice Premier He Lifeng met EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic in Beijing. While both sides seek stronger ties, the EU stresses the need to rebalance trade relations amid ongoing market access concerns.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 3rd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Myanmar's deadly 7.7-magnitude earthquake has claimed over 3,000 lives, with 351 missing and 4,500 injured. As rescue efforts face civil unrest, unseasonal rains threaten survivors. Global aid arrives, while Myanmar's junta declares a ceasefire to support relief efforts.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev met with U.S. officials in Washington on Wednesday as the Trump administration continues to press Russia and Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire, two U.S. officials familiar with the matter said.
Taiwan has reported a sharp increase in Chinese military activity as Beijing concluded two days of war games around the island, intensifying tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
Hunter Biden has voluntarily surrendered his license to practice law in Washington, D.C., following criminal convictions that raised questions about his professional eligibility.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
The King of the Kingdom of Gureshaba, Doku Hmaiai Hippolyte Sinewami Htamumu, has formally applied to join the Baku Initiative Group. The Kingdom of Gureshaba is located on Nenon Island in New Caledonia.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has tested positive for COVID-19, according to his doctor, Asim Hussain. The 70-year-old leader has been advised to remain in isolation as a precautionary measure, while his condition is reported to be improving.
Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Hungary signals diplomatic defiance as he travels despite an ICC arrest warrant. With Hungary rejecting the court’s ruling, the trip highlights shifting alliances while Israel presses ahead with its military operations in Gaza amid growing international pressure.
Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, made press statements and responded to journalists’ questions. The President of Azerbaijan made the statement first.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 3rd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Myanmar's deadly 7.7-magnitude earthquake has claimed over 3,000 lives, with 351 missing and 4,500 injured. As rescue efforts face civil unrest, unseasonal rains threaten survivors. Global aid arrives, while Myanmar's junta declares a ceasefire to support relief efforts.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev met with U.S. officials in Washington on Wednesday as the Trump administration continues to press Russia and Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire, two U.S. officials familiar with the matter said.
Taiwan has reported a sharp increase in Chinese military activity as Beijing concluded two days of war games around the island, intensifying tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
Hunter Biden has voluntarily surrendered his license to practice law in Washington, D.C., following criminal convictions that raised questions about his professional eligibility.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment