EU Considers Gradual Suspension of Economic Sanctions on Syria

EU Considers Gradual Suspension of Economic Sanctions on Syria

Jan 22 2025

ARK News.. The European Union is reportedly considering a gradual suspension of its extensive economic sanctions on Syria as part of efforts to support the country’s transition, while maintaining leverage over the situation.

According to two internal documents reviewed by Reuters, EU foreign ministers are expected to discuss easing certain sanctions on Syria during a meeting in Brussels on January 27.

The documents, prepared by the EU’s foreign policy arm ahead of the ministers' meeting, outline options for supporting Syria’s transition and propose a roadmap for loosening sanctions.

A source explained that the proposed roadmap reflects "a broad consensus among EU member states on the need to relax the EU sanctions framework to send a positive signal in support of the transition and the new authorities."

The roadmap further notes that "at the same time, some EU member states have urged caution and stressed the importance of retaining leverage over the new authorities, in case developments do not unfold as anticipated." It emphasizes the necessity of adopting a "gradual approach."

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