The Council of the European Union has decided to lift all economic sanctions against Syria, with the exception of restrictions related to security and counterterrorism. This was stated in an official declaration by the EU’s legislative body.
The EU Council has adopted legal acts to fully lift economic restrictive measures against Syria, except those based on counterterrorism concerns. This decision formalizes the political stance announced on May 20, 2025, and is aimed at supporting the Syrian people in their efforts toward reunification and the building of a new, inclusive, pluralistic, and peaceful Syria, the statement reads.
Sanctions were lifted from 24 Syrian organizations, including the Central Bank of Syria, state media outlets, oil extraction and refining companies, as well as cotton production enterprises.
Earlier, in mid-May, U.S. President Donald Trump made a similar decision to lift sanctions on Syria. At the same time, he met in Riyadh with Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who is officially listed as wanted in the United States on terrorism charges. Nevertheless, Trump referred to him as “a good-looking guy.”
