Why are the sanctions being suspended?
The European Union (EU) has imposed sanctions on the Assad regime in recent years due to the violent suppression of the Syrian population. With the fall of the Assad regime, a historic opportunity arises for all Syrians to reunite and rebuild the country.
Minister Veldkamp of Foreign Affairs: ‘A stable and safe Syria is of great importance. It is good that the EU has suspended a number of sanctions to promote economic recovery and reconstruction in Syria. This is a first step that the Netherlands has actively advocated for. We insist that this benefits the entire Syrian population and will closely monitor developments. Of course, we keep the option open to reimpose sanctions if necessary.’
Which sanctions are being suspended?
- Sanctions on the transport and energy sectors (including oil, gas, and electricity). This means that European companies are now allowed to do more business in these essential Syrian sectors.
- Exemptions from the ban on banking relations from the EU with Syrian banks and financial institutions. This means that regular transactions from the EU to those banks are now permitted, facilitating transactions needed for humanitarian purposes and reconstruction.
- The humanitarian exemption on sanctions is being extended indefinitely. This means that humanitarian aid can be provided continuously and in a timely manner to support basic needs.
- The ban on the export of luxury goods to Syria is lifted, as long as the goods are intended for personal use (most non-luxury goods are already allowed to be exported).
In the coming period, the EU will discuss whether more sanctions can be suspended.
However, the sanctions against members of the former Assad regime will remain in place. Sanctions against chemical weapons, illegal drug trafficking, goods that can be used for military purposes (dual-use), and the import/export of Syrian cultural heritage will also remain in effect.