EU agrees to gradual easing of Syria sanctions
The European Union has reached a political agreement to begin easing sanctions on Syria under a ‘step-for-step approach’ focused on sectors critical for economic recovery, High Representative Kaja Kallas announced on 27 January.
‘We have grouped the sanctions to make this roadmap for a step-for-step approach really to start with the sanctions that are most hindering the early build-up of the country,’ Kallas said at a press conference following a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council.
The relief will not include arms-related restrictions due to ongoing concerns about radicalisation, she noted. While political agreement was reached, Kallas said ‘there are also technical issues to be solved’ in the coming weeks.
France and Germany have been among EU members pushing for an easing of sanctions on Syria since the fall of the Assad regime last month.
Separately, Kallas welcomed this week’s extension of sanctions on Russia for another six months, saying, ‘This will continue to deprive Putin of revenues to fund his war.’ She explained that Hungary had dropped its earlier objections after receiving a European Commission statement on energy solidarity with landlocked countries.
At their meeting in Brussels this week, foreign ministers also discussed EU-US relations amid shifting policies under the new administration. ‘As the United States shifts to a more transactional approach, Europe needs to close ranks,’ Kallas stated, adding that ‘Europe is an economic heavyweight and geopolitical partner.’
