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.
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Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 28 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said she discussed Ukraine’s path to European Union membership with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as Brussels signals key weeks ahead for accession talks.
Armenia’s upcoming elections are emerging as a defining geopolitical test, amid growing debate over the country’s future direction between Russia and the West, rising regional pressure, energy dependence concerns and shifting security alliances.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says ongoing conflict, funding pressures and international travel restrictions are complicating efforts to contain a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Russia and Kazakhstan signed 15 agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Astana on Thursday (28 May), including deals on Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant and expanded oil cooperation with Russia.
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as the latest sign of deteriorating relations between the longtime allies ahead of Armenia's parliamentary election on 7 June.
At least 22 people have been killed - including children - and 35 others injured after a truck carrying Afghan returnees overturned in eastern Afghanistan, local officials say.
A renewed wave of U.S. diplomatic activity in the South Caucasus highlights Washington’s growing focus on regional connectivity, trade and security, according to Associate Professor George Mchedlishvili of European University in Tbilisi.
Kyrgyzstan has signed a series of cooperation agreements with China and Belarus at the Fifth Forum of Regional Leaders of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states, underlining the country's growing economic engagement within the regional bloc.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
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