The EU Council has adopted legal acts lifting all economic restrictive measures on Syria, with the exception of those based on security grounds.
The adoption formalises the political decision announced on 20 May 2025, and aims at supporting the Syrian people in reuniting and rebuilding a new, inclusive, pluralistic and peaceful Syria.
The decision was the right thing to do, said the EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, for the EU to genuinely support Syria’s recovery and a political transition that fulfils the aspirations of all Syrians. “The EU has stood with the Syrian people throughout the last 14 years, and it will continue to do so,” she said. “Today the EU reaffirms its commitment as a partner for the transition, one that helps the Syrian people to reunite and rebuild a new, inclusive, peaceful Syria.”
As part of the same approach, the Council has also removed 24 entities from the EU list of those subject to the freezing of funds and economic resources. Several of these entities are banks, including the Central Bank of Syria, or companies operating in key sectors for Syria’s economic recovery -such as oil production and refining, cotton, and telecommunications- while others are media and tv outlets.
In line with its call for accountability and its support to a peaceful transition, the Council has extended the listings of individuals and entities linked to the Assad regime until 1 June 2026.
In addition, in relation to the wave of violence that took place in Syria’s coastal region in March 2025, the Council has introduced new restrictive measures under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, targeting two individuals and three entities for serious human rights abuses.
The Council will continue monitoring developments on the ground and stands ready to introduce further restrictive measures against human rights violators and those fueling instability in Syria.
