Syria welcomes lifting of European sanctions on 7 government entities
Syria welcomed the European Union's decision to lift sanctions on 7 Syrian government entities, including the Ministries of Interior and Defense, and to renew the sanctions imposed on symbols of the former regime and those involved in violations committed against the Syrian people.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry stressed in a statement on Monday that this step would contribute to supporting recovery and reconstruction efforts, enhance the ability of official institutions to carry out their duties in the service of citizens, consolidate security and stability, contribute to the path of stability, and build a new Syria based on law and institutions.
The ministry also affirmed Syria's keenness to continue openness and constructive cooperation with the international community on the basis of mutual respect, and to preserve the sovereignty and integrity of Syrian territory, in order to serve the interests of the Syrian people and support the path of reconstruction and economic and political recovery.
Details of the European Council Decision
The Council of the European Union has removed the Ministries of Defense and Interior in Syria from sanctions lists, as part of the annual review of the European sanctions regime, while renewing the restrictive measures imposed on individuals and entities associated with the former Syrian regime until June 1, 2027.
In a statement published on its website today, the Council explained that 7 Syrian entities have been removed from the list, including the Ministries of Defense and Interior, in a move aimed at strengthening the EU's engagement with Syria during the current phase.
In its statement, the Council recalled that in May 2025, it lifted all economic sanctions imposed on Syria in support of the path of peaceful transition, socio-economic recovery and reconstruction, while retaining sanctions directed against personalities and entities associated with the former Assad regime, in addition to measures of a security nature.
The Council warned that networks linked to the former regime still wield "influence" that could pose a risk to the transition process and impede national reconciliation and accountability efforts, which justified continued restrictions.
Under these measures, those on the list are subject to an asset freeze, EU citizens and companies are prohibited from providing them with any funding, and are subject to a travel ban that prevents them from entering or transiting through EU countries.
The European Union first imposed sanctions on the former regime in 2011, in response to its violent repression against civilians, and after the fall of this regime, on February 24, 2025, the Council eased a number of restrictive measures of the European Union in light of the situation in Syria, with the aim of facilitating communication with the country, its people and its companies.
On May 20, 2025, the Council affirmed its continued commitment to support the Syrian people and a peaceful and inclusive transition, by announcing the political decision to lift all economic sanctions (except those based on security grounds), which represents a historic shift towards supporting Syria's transition and post-Assad recovery.
Most recently, on 11 May 2026, the Council fully re-implemented the EU-Syria Cooperation Agreement, which was partially suspended in 2011, in response to the gross human rights violations committed by the former regime.