EU Lifts Economic Sanctions on Syria After Assad Ouster

The European Union has lifted all economic sanctions on Syria following the ousting of longtime leader Bashar al-Assad and the rise of new leadership under former rebel leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the bloc's commitment to helping the Syrian people rebuild a new, inclusive, and peaceful Syria, echoing similar recent moves by the United States. The sanctions relief primarily targets the Syrian banking system and includes unfreezing assets of the Syrian Central Bank abroad, though restrictions on weapons sales and sanctions against those responsible for recent violence remain in place. While the EU expresses cautious optimism, leaders remain wary of the new regime and have stated that sanctions could be reinstated if promises to respect minority rights and democracy are not upheld. Syrian officials welcomed the lifting of sanctions as an international endorsement to rebuild the country. The EU's decision reflects a balance between supporting reconstruction efforts and maintaining pressure to ensure a democratic transition.