EU lifts sanctions against Syria – tensions remain high!

After the fall of Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad, major changes are coming: The EU plans to suspend the sanctions against Syria that have been in force for years. As the crown According to reports, EU foreign ministers are expected to take a formal decision at a meeting on Monday that will temporarily suspend sanctions on the energy sector, transport and financial institutions. This agreement was reached at the end of January, but with the caveat that the new rulers in Damascus must adhere to agreements on the protection of minorities and democratization.

The interim government under HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa is moderate and has put pressure on the international community to ease sanctions. Years of civil war and harsh sanctions have hit Syria's economy hard, with the United Nations saying a return to economic normality will take decades. Such sanctions are not only a means of pressure, but also part of a broader strategy to promote democracy and respect for human rights, such as this Foreign Office explained.

Sanctions as a political instrument

The EU imposes sanctions to address violations of the international order and to persuade states, organizations or individuals to change their behavior. These measures, taken against countries such as Iran, North Korea and Russia, among others, serve to uphold fundamental principles such as democracy and human rights. Sectoral economic sanctions in particular can severely impact a country's trade relations and inhibit its economic growth.

It remains to be seen how the new leaders in Damascus will behave. Will they implement the promised reforms or could sanctions quickly come back into force? The international community is closely monitoring these developments as geopolitical tensions remain high and the situation in Syria remains tense.