Source: European Parliament
Following the fall of the Assad regime, the EU adopted a gradual and reversible approach in order to support Syria’s transition and economic recovery.
On 24 February 2025, the EU suspended some of its economic sanctions and amended the humanitarian exceptions[1]. The EU has been assessing whether further suspensions could be made, based on close monitoring of the situation on the ground[2].
On 27 May 2025, the EU lifted all economic sanctions on Syria in order to support the country’s socioeconomic recovery, with the exception of those based on security grounds. The EU maintained sanctions on Assad and his accomplices, in line with its call for accountability and its support to a peaceful transition[3].
While the humanitarian exceptions already ensured the continued provision of humanitarian assistance, the step of lifting of economic sanctions was broadly welcomed by the humanitarian community in Syria as a way to further enhance the delivery of critical assistance. The lifting of economic sanctions is vital for the swift socioeconomic recovery of Syria that the EU is strongly supporting, including through its recent EUR 175 million package[4].
On 28 May[5] and 23 June 2025[6], the EU introduced additional listings under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, targeting several individuals and entities for serious human rights abuses in Syria, including in relation to the deadly violence and horrific crimes against civilians in the coastal areas in March 2025.
The EU remains attentive to the actions of the new authorities in ensuring the protection of all Syrians without any kind of discrimination and continues to call for accountability, inclusivity and tolerance. It stands with the Syrian people and remains in close contact with partners in the region and key international partners.
- [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/02/24/syria-eu-suspends-restrictive-measures-on-key-economic-sectors/.
- [2] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-6227-2025-ADD-1/en/pdf.
- [3] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/05/28/syria-eu-adopts-legal-acts-to-lift-economic-sanctions-on-syria-enacting-recent-political-agreement/.
- [4] https://north-africa-middle-east-gulf.ec.europa.eu/news/eu-announces-eu175-million-support-recovery-syria-2025-06-04_en.
- [5] See footnote 3.
- [6] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/06/23/global-human-rights-sanctions-regime-eu-imposes-restrictive-measures-on-five-syrian-individuals-associated-with-the-former-assad-regime-for-supporting-crimes-against-humanity-and-for-fueling-sectarian-violence/.