Germany is leading discussions within the European Union regarding the easing of sanctions imposed on Syria.
Sources in the German Foreign Ministry stated to Reuters today, Wednesday, January 8, “We are actively discussing ways to ease sanctions for the Syrian people in specific sectors,” which requires a unanimous decision from the European Union.
German officials first discussed ideas about easing sanctions on Syria in documents sent to Brussels before Christmas.
The Financial Times reported, citing informed sources, that German officials distributed two proposed documents among the capitals of the European Union outlining suggestions regarding key sectors where sanctions imposed by the Union on Syria could be eased.
The reports state that the documents outline ways to gradually lift restrictions on Damascus, in exchange for progress in social issues, including the protection of minority and women’s rights and commitment to pledges to prevent the proliferation of weapons.
The newspaper also quoted a source described as knowledgeable about EU discussions in this matter, stating that the European Union, like Washington, may issue a decision for a temporary easing of sanctions to ensure that it can be reversed if necessary.
The proposals include easing restrictions on the banking sector in Syria to facilitate the flow of funds into the country, and on the energy sector to help address power outages.
The proposals will also aim to ease sanctions imposed on air transport and lift restrictions on the transfer of private assets that prevent Syrian refugees wishing to return home from taking a car with them or opening an account.
A participant involved in the European discussions told the Financial Times that it is still unclear whether there is unanimous support among the 27 member states of the European Union for easing the sanctions, as some capitals continue to call for a thorough assessment of the new administration in Damascus and its governance approach.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visited Damascus on January 3 and met with the head of the new Syrian administration, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
At that time, the German Foreign Minister stated, “Europe will not finance the establishment of new Islamic structures in Syria,” adding that lifting sanctions on Syria will depend on progress in the political process.
The foreign ministers of Germany, France, Italy, Britain, and the United States are scheduled to meet on Thursday, January 9, in Rome to discuss the situation in Syria.
The interim government in Damascus is calling for the lifting of international sanctions on Syria, but many capitals, including Washington, have stated that they are waiting to see the approach of the new authorities in governance before lifting the restrictions.
The US Treasury Department announced exemptions aimed at facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to Syria for six months, while monitoring what is happening on Syrian territory.
On Monday, January 6, the department stated that its Office of Foreign Assets Control issued General License No. “24” for Syria, to expand the scope of authorizations for activities and transactions in Syria, after December 8, 2024.
This measure reaffirms Washington’s commitment to ensuring that US sanctions do not hinder activities aimed at meeting basic humanitarian needs, including the provision of public services or humanitarian aid, according to the department.
Executive Order No. “24” includes assistance to ensure that sanctions do not hinder essential services and the continuity of governance functions throughout Syria, including the provision of electricity, energy, water, and sanitation.