Spain, Germany and four other EU countries propose lifting sanctions on Syria

Brussels  –  Spain, together with Germany and four other European Union countries, propose that the European bloc work to lift some economic, financial, and energy sanctions imposed on Syria, with a view to improving the situation of the civilian population, although they condition any decision on a peaceful and inclusive transition on the ground.

In light of the fall of the regime of Bashar al Assad and the steps taken by the new Syrian authorities, led by the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), a group of countries formed by Germany, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Finland, and Denmark, at Germany’s initiative, advocate for European sanctions to be a tool to promote a peaceful and inclusive political transition in Syria that protects minorities in the country.

According to information obtained by Europa Press, the initiative comes from a preliminary document designed by Berlin a week ago, which puts on the table lifting sanctions against the energy, electricity, transport, or banking sectors, understanding that these restrictions have a significant impact on the civilian population in Syria.

On the other hand, the proposal calls for maintaining punitive measures against specific individuals linked to the regime of Al Assad. The EU has more than 300 people and 80 entities on its ‘blacklist’ for the repression launched by Damascus against its own population after the civil war erupted in the country in 2011.

To lift the restrictions, these countries emphasize that it will be important to judge the actions taken by the new authorities in Syria and suggest the idea of a mechanism to make the relief of sanctions reversible, so that they can be reimposed if there is a change of events on the ground.

In any case, the approach will be brought to the table of the foreign ministers of the 27 in the meeting at the end of January in Brussels, where it is expected to gather a preliminary political agreement to advance in the relief of certain sanctions. Regarding the milestones that the EU will set to reverse its actions, the ministers’ own debate should substantiate the red lines set by the EU, in coordination with the External Action Service of the bloc to craft a common position on Damascus.

Regarding the sanctions on HTS, which is currently considered a terrorist organization by the EU and is sanctioned by the United Nations for its connection to Al Qaeda, these countries are open to the possible exclusion from the UN sanctions list, pointing out that it is in the Security Council where the issue should be addressed. This step will be taken according to developments in Syria and the behavior of the group, which has a jihadist past, as various voices in Brussels remind.

This Monday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation of the Spanish Government, José Manuel Albares, explained that Spain is willing to support the lifting of EU sanctions against Syria as long as the new authorities respect a series of red lines, such as respect for women’s rights or ethnic minorities in the country. Precisely this Thursday, Albares travels to Damascus to meet with the transitional authorities headed by Ahmed al Shara.

Meanwhile, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Policy, Kaja Kallas, has also expressed support for the 27 to take steps in the “gradual relief” of the sanctions imposed on Syria, if “tangible progress” is made towards democratic transition. (January 14)