The European Union has lifted select sanctions on Syria as part of an effort to support democratic development during the country’s political transition.
The bloc announced that it had suspended restrictions on oil, gas, and electricity, along with sanctions on the transport sector including aviation, with immediate effect.
However, it cautioned that the decision could be reversed should Syria’s de facto leadership not implement expected reforms.
The EU also reinstated the possibility to fund and provide certain economic resources to five banks. Restrictions on the export of luxury goods to Syria for personal use will also be eased.
The EU maintains a wide range of sanctions on entire economic sectors and individuals in Syria, levied during the rule of ousted President Bashar al-Assad. The country’s new leadership has urged the West to ease the restrictions in order to help Syria recover from years of despotic rule and civil war.
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