Suspension of EU restrictions in Syria: opening up to transition and reconstruction

The Council of the European Union took the decision tosuspend certain restrictive measures against Syriato facilitate dialogue with that country and to encourage its stabilisation. This suspension mainly concerns the energy, transport and reconstruction sectors, as well as financial and banking transactions related to these activities. In addition, the humanitarian exemption has been extended indefinitely to allow for the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Syrian population.

The EU intends to facilitate trade with Syria and ease restrictions on key economic sectors. Among the main decisions taken by the Council are:

• The suspension of sectoral measures in the energy sectors (including oil, gas and electricity) and transport.
• The delisting of five Syrian banks (Industrial Bank, Popular Credit Bank, Saving Bank, Agricultural Cooperative Bank and Syrian Arab Airlines) from the list of financial sanctions, as well as the authorization of access to funds for the Syrian Central Bank.
• The introduction of exemptions on the prohibition of establishing banking relations with Syrian financial institutions for transactions related to the energy and transport sectors, as well as humanitarian and reconstruction operations.
• The indefinite extension of the existing humanitarian exemption.
• Adding an exemption for personal use to the prohibitions on exporting luxury goods to Syria.

This initiative is part of the EU's commitment to support an inclusive political transition, as well as economic recovery and stabilisation of the country. The fall of the Assad regime marks a historic turning point and paves the way for a reorganization of the country, with the active participation of all Syrians, including those of the diaspora, in national reconstruction.

However, this suspension of sanctions does not mean a total reduction in restrictive measures. The Council confirmed the continued restrictions on those responsible for the Assad regime, as well as on sensitive sectors such as chemical weapons, drug trafficking and certain commercial activities related to internal repression. Prohibitions remain on arms trade, dual-use goods, surveillance equipment and the import/export of Syrian cultural heritage objects.

The EU remains vigilant about developments in Syria. The Council will continue to assess the relevance of these suspensions, taking into account, inter alia, progress in political transition and respect for human rights. The cooperation of the Transitional Syrian Government will be closely monitored, particularly with regard to the responsibility for crimes committed under the previous regime, as well as the commitment to respect international law.