Damascus, SANA – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Syria welcomes the European Union’s latest decision to suspend a number of restrictive measures imposed on Syria. This step marks a positive development in alleviating the economic hardship endured by the Syrian people and signals progress toward constructive engagement between Syria and the international community.
The EU Council’s decision includes:
* The suspension of sectoral measures in the energy (including oil, gas, and electricity) and transport sectors.
* The removal of five entities—the Industrial Bank, Popular Credit Bank, Saving Bank, Agricultural Cooperative Bank, and Syrian Arab Airlines—from the EU’s sanctions list, along with easing restrictions on the Syrian Central Bank.
* The introduction of exemptions to allow necessary financial transactions for energy, transport, humanitarian, and reconstruction-related purposes.
* The indefinite extension of existing humanitarian exemptions.
* The introduction of an exemption for personal use in export prohibitions on luxury goods.
We view this as an initial step toward a broader dialogue and call on all international partners to take further measures to fully lift the remaining sanctions that continue to hinder Syria’s recovery. We remain committed to working with all states and entities that seek a genuine path toward economic stabilisation and development, free from collective punishment and politically motivated constraints.
The Syrian people deserve a country that serves their needs, unburdened by the political calculations of external actors. We urge the international community to take further action to lift all sanctions that impede Syria’s progress and prevent its citizens from rebuilding their lives.
Manar Salameh/Ruaa Jazaeri
