The European Commission welcomes the Council’s decision to lift EU economic sanctions on Syria. The legal acts – jointly proposed by High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commission, and adopted today – implement the political decision taken by the Foreign Affairs Council on 20 May, with the goal of supporting the Syrian people to reunite and rebuild a new, inclusive, pluralistic and peaceful country. Today’s decision, follows the suspension of a number of economic sanctions in February, and is part of EU efforts to support an inclusive political transition in Syria, as well as swift socio-economic recovery, reconstruction, and stabilisation in the country.
With this decision, all sectoral restrictive measures are lifted, with the exception of those related to the Assad regime in line with the EU’s call for accountability, as well as those related to security.
The EU stands ready to support the Syrian people in the rebuilding of their country, based on a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned process that provides for its people. We remain the largest provider of international aid inside Syria and neighboring countries by mobilising over 37 billion EUR since 2011. In this moment of transition and hope, the EU reaffirms its commitment to the Syrian people. The EU will continue monitoring developments on the ground, including inclusiveness, progress on reforms and accountability with regard to recent violence outbreaks, as well as the effects of the lifting of economic sanctions.
Background
EU sanctions against Syria were introduced in 2011 in response to the violent repression against the civilian population by the Assad regime. The EU restrictive measures targeted the regime and its supporters, as well as sectors of the economy from which they profited.
After the fall of the Assad regime, and guided by the European Council conclusions of 19 December 2024 and 20 March 2025, the EU supports the steps taken by the transitional authorities of Syria for an inclusive transition closely monitoring developments on the ground. This includes accountability for the Assad regime’s crimes, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Syrians without distinction or discrimination of any kind, and respect for the rule of law and international law, including the sovereign rights of EU Member States.
Following the fall of the Assad regime, the EU has 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 on Syrian key economic sectors. The EU will continue to closely follow developments in the country.
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