EU Ministers to Discuss Lifting Sanctions on Syria Amid Power Shift

European foreign ministers will meet on January 27 in Brussels to discuss easing sanctions on Syria, according to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. This comes after Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad was ousted by insurgent forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), who have since formed a caretaker government in Damascus.

Kallas emphasized that any easing of sanctions would depend on the new administration’s inclusivity, governance, and avoidance of radicalization. She stated, “If developments go in the right direction, we are ready to take steps forward.”

Saudi Arabia hosted a high-level meeting of Western and Middle Eastern leaders in Riyadh on Sunday, urging the West to lift sanctions to facilitate international aid. Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud highlighted the need to end sanctions, citing their impact on Syria's development.

Germany has proposed easing sanctions for humanitarian relief while maintaining restrictions on Assad allies involved in war crimes. German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock underscored the need for immediate benefits for Syrians transitioning from conflict.

The U.S. recently granted a six-month sanctions exemption for humanitarian transactions and limited energy deals. British foreign minister David Lammy and other regional leaders attended the Riyadh talks to explore support for Syria’s interim authorities and mechanisms to hold the Assad regime accountable for war crimes.

The sanctions, originally imposed in 2011 following Assad’s crackdown on protests, remain a point of contention, particularly given HTS’s past ties to al-Qaeda. However, with the current transition, international leaders are evaluating steps to aid Syrians while addressing ongoing challenges.

This pivotal moment could reshape Syria's trajectory, contingent on the new government’s adherence to international standards of governance and inclusivity.