EU Demands Assurances from Syria's Leaders to Lift Sanctions

On Monday, European Union officials outlined conditions for lifting sanctions on Syria and providing aid to the war-torn country, following the recent shift in power after the fall of Damascus. Just over a week after the unexpected departure of Bashar Assad and his regime, the EU expressed cautious optimism but emphasized the need for clear commitments from Syria's new leadership.

At a meeting in Brussels, EU foreign ministers called for guarantees from Syria's interim government that it will pave the way for a peaceful, inclusive political future—one that represents all minority groups and excludes extremist ideologies, as well as the influence of Russia and Iran. The EU's stance is clear: while aid may be forthcoming, it hinges on Syria's ability to prove its commitment to democratic principles and stability.

Since the capture of Damascus on December 8, the transition has been relatively smooth, with reports of violence, reprisals, and sectarian conflict notably scarce. Looting and damage to property have been swiftly addressed. However, the new interim government, led by the opposition group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)—a former al-Qaeda affiliate—has not yet provided a roadmap for the country’s future governance. The EU and U.S. continue to label HTS as a terrorist organization, complicating relations.

The interim government, which is expected to hold power until March, is under pressure from the international community. Arab foreign ministers have called for U.N.-supervised elections based on a new constitution, while the U.N. envoy has urged the lifting of sanctions. To assess Syria’s direction, the EU is sending a special envoy to Damascus for high-level talks with the new leadership.

EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, emphasized that Syria’s future remains uncertain but expressed hope for a stable, peaceful government. “It’s not just about words, we need to see action,” she said at a press conference. “Syria’s future is full of potential, but we must ensure it is steered in the right direction.”

Kallas also delivered a pointed message to Syria’s new leaders: “Russia and Iran are no longer your allies. They have abandoned Assad, and their attention is elsewhere. Their support is no longer guaranteed.”

The war, fueled by over five decades of Assad family rule, has devastated Syria’s economy, created widespread poverty, and led to rampant corruption. Millions have fled the country, with hundreds of thousands seeking refuge in Europe. While some EU nations have paused asylum applications from Syrian refugees, those wishing to return home will be assisted on a case-by-case basis.

Sanctions were first imposed by the EU in 2011 in response to Assad’s violent crackdown on civilian protests, which eventually spiraled into a civil war. Over the years, the EU has targeted more than 300 individuals and 80 entities linked to the Assad regime, including government officials and military leaders.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stressed that any potential easing of sanctions or flow of EU aid would be contingent on meeting specific conditions. These include a genuine political transition that represents all ethnic and religious groups in Syria, as well as upholding human rights, women’s rights, and rejecting terrorism and extremism.

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares warned that the EU has “red lines” that Syria’s leaders must respect before any talks on sanctions could begin. “We need to ensure Syria’s territorial integrity and prevent foreign interference,” he said. “Only then can we reconsider our position on sanctions.”

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg was firm in stating that Europe’s support for Syria’s new leadership should not be unconditional, adding that no blanket lifting of sanctions would occur until further developments were made clear. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp also expressed concern over the presence of Russian military bases in Syria, stating, “We want the Russians out.”