In the wake of Bashar al-Assad’s ousting in December 2024, both the European Union and the United Kingdom have introduced substantial modifications to their sanctions frameworks on Syria. These revisions are intended to foster the country’s reconstruction and political transition while preserving strategic leverage to sustain reform momentum.
European Union: strategic easing of restrictions
On 24 February 2025, the European Union unveiled a suspension of several targeted sanctions against Syria, signaling a decisive shift in its approach. This move aligns with the EU’s broader objective to facilitate an inclusive political settlement and to accelerate Syria’s economic revitalization and stabilization process.
Key measures adopted include:
- Energy and Transport: The EU lifted prohibitions on the import of Syrian oil and petroleum products, alongside the export of critical equipment and technology for the oil, gas, and electricity sectors. Restrictions on transportation, particularly aviation, were also temporarily removed.
- Financial Sector Adjustments: Five Syrian financial institutions — the Industrial Bank, Popular Credit Bank, Saving Bank, Agricultural Cooperative Bank, and Syrian Arab Airlines — were struck from the EU sanctions list. Exemptions were also introduced to enable banking operations between Syrian and EU financial institutions for projects tied to energy, infrastructure, humanitarian support, and rebuilding efforts.
- Central Bank Access: While assets belonging to the Central Bank of Syria remain frozen, the EU now permits the release of funds and resources to the institution under narrowly defined conditions.
- Humanitarian and Personal Use Exemptions: The EU indefinitely extended its humanitarian carve-outs, easing logistical barriers to aid delivery. It also approved a new exemption allowing the export of luxury goods for personal use by travelers departing from the EU to Syria.
Despite these relaxations, key restrictions remain firmly in place — notably those relating to individuals and entities associated with the former Assad regime, chemical weapons proliferation, narcotics trafficking, arms exports, dual-use technologies, repression equipment, surveillance systems, and the illicit trade in cultural property. The EU has made clear that the easing of sanctions is conditional and subject to ongoing political developments.
United Kingdom: calibrated sanctions relief
In a parallel development, the United Kingdom has also moved to recalibrate its sanctions policy toward Syria. On 24 April 2025, the UK government declared the removal of sanctions on 12 Syrian organizations, including the Ministries of Defence and Interior, as well as major state-run media outlets. The intention is to aid the reconstruction of Syria’s financial and energy infrastructure and restore basic services.
This step followed an earlier decision, dated 6 March 2025, in which the UK delisted 24 Syrian entities, such as the Central Bank of Syria, Syrian Arab Airlines, and multiple companies in the energy sector. These actions reflect London’s evolving strategy to contribute to Syria’s stabilization while supporting its transition toward a post-Assad political order.
Importantly, the UK has retained targeted sanctions — including asset freezes and travel bans — on individuals linked to the former regime, maintaining a strong accountability posture. Government officials have reiterated that while the current shift aims to unlock reconstruction pathways, the UK reserves the right to reimpose sanctions should conditions on the ground deteriorate.
In conclusion, both the EU and the UK have embarked on a cautious but meaningful recalibration of their Syria policies in response to the country’s changing political landscape. While enabling recovery and encouraging reform, they continue to uphold key legal and moral safeguards, ensuring that international engagement remains contingent on progress toward democratic governance and human rights accountability.