EU will lift sanctions on Syria, keep those targeting Assad regime

BARCELONA, Spain — The European Union will lift sanctions on Syria’s economy but keep those in place targeting the former Assad regime, the EU’s top diplomat announces.

Foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas speaks after chairing a meeting of foreign ministers from the 27-member bloc. She says the decision was designed to avert poverty and radicalism in the country after more than a decade of civil war sent millions fleeing, including to Europe.

The sanctions are “conditional” and could be resumed if the new government of Ahmad al-Sharaa doesn’t keep the peace, Kallas says.

“Saving lives must be our top priority on Syria,” she said.

The announcement came a week after US President Donald Trump’s meeting with Sharaa and his announcement that the US would ease sanctions on Syria. Lifting sanctions could bring much-needed investment to Syria, which needs tens of billions of dollars to restore its battered infrastructure.