Description: European Union’s foreign ministers decided to suspend several sanctions against Syria in order to facilitate the country’s economic transition under the newly formed government. The EU would lift sanctions on main banking entities, air transport companies and entities in the energy industry. The lifting of sanctions would aim at assisting the current government led by HTS (Hayat Tahrir al – Sham) leader Ahmed Al – Sharaa to subdue the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country and enable crucial departments to commence the reconstruction of the Syrian economy. European Commission’s Vice – President Kaja Kallas has stated that EU reserves the right to reimpose the sanctions as they would closely monitor the implementation of the unfrozen funds.
Impact: The statute of limitations regarding Syria’s sanctions has apparently been lifted as the country currently faces socio – economic disarray of concerning proportions. Syria currently represents a geostrategic power grab for several countries such as Turkey, Iran, Israel and US through proxy organizations such as the SDF. The current Al – Sharaa government still struggles to secure Syria’s borders as extremist groups are active in the north and northeastern parts while Israel could conduct military incursions through the disputed Golan Heights territories. The lifting of EU sanctions is a positive sign for the current government as in recent months gained political traction and earned substantial political credibility.