Damascus residents welcome EU move to lift sanctions

People in Damascus expressed relief and cautious optimism on Tuesday night after the European Union announced it would lift economic sanctions on Syria, following a similar decision by the United States last week.

In the capital’s main square, an electronic screen lit up with images of U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, alongside messages of gratitude. One banner read in English: “Syria feels hope again / Thank you President Trump.”

Residents in Damascus expressed cautious hope after the EU’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria. Many welcomed the move as a sign of relief and a chance for economic recovery. 

Pharmacist Elian Mabardi said the end of sanctions was good news for ordinary Syrians. “The lifting of sanctions by anyone in the world, whether Europe, America or any other state, is for the benefit of the Syrian Arab citizen,” he said. “We get optimistic by this. By God’s will, prosperity will begin in a short period of time.”

Another local, supermarket owner Osama, said the change would make a real difference for daily life. “It is an excellent step,” he said. “In my opinion, the sanctions were against the Syrian people and, thank God, this is an excellent step for the people to see a big improvement and difference.”

Syrian authorities have also welcomed the recent easing of sanctions by the United States and the European Union, seeing it as a key move toward economic recovery and Syria’s return to the global community. However, some EU member states felt the measures were still not enough to fully stabilize the Syrian economy.

The EU’s decision follows a wave of international reassessments of sanctions policy since Ahmed al-Sharaa took power in December. Streets in Damascus remained busy late into the night as residents discussed what the changes could mean for the country’s future.

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