The European Union has decided to lift economic sanctions on Syria while maintaining targeted measures against figures from the former Assad regime.
The announcement was made by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas following a meeting of the bloc’s foreign ministers in Brussels.
Kallas said the move aims to support the country’s recovery and prevent worsening poverty and instability after years of conflict. The sanctions relief, she noted, is conditional and may be reversed if the current Syrian government under Ahmad al-Sharaa fails to uphold peace.
“Saving lives must be our top priority,” Kallas stated, underscoring the humanitarian need for action.
The decision follows last week’s meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and President al-Sharaa, during which the U.S. also confirmed plans to ease restrictions on Syria.
Syria remains in urgent need of reconstruction, with estimates showing 90% of the population living in poverty and widespread infrastructure damage after over a decade of civil war.
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