USA relaxes sanctions against Assad: A new glimmer of hope for Syria!

USA relaxes sanctions against Assad: A new glimmer of hope for Syria!

The US has begun lifting sanctions against Syria imposed under President Bashar al-Assad. This decision was announced by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who stated that transactions with the Central Bank of Syria are possible again. The lifting of economic sanctions aims to encourage new investment in Syria and support peace and stability in the country. President Donald Trump announced during his Middle East trip that he wanted to lift all sanctions against Syria. The Syrian Foreign Ministry welcomed this move as positive in terms of alleviating humanitarian and economic hardship.

The new regulations allow transactions with the new Syrian government under interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The Syrian Central Bank is also included in these renewals. According to this decision, financial services and trading in oil should also be made easier. At the same time, however, the ban on allowing transactions that favor Russia, Iran or North Korea remains in place. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that additional sanctions will be suspended for a period of 180 days to allow stabilizing investments.

The humanitarian situation in Syria

The measures are also intended to facilitate the provision of electricity, energy and water and to improve humanitarian aid in Syria. According to the UN refugee agency, 90 percent of the Syrian population is currently dependent on humanitarian aid. In order to provide support to repatriated Syrians and the civilian population, lifting these sanctions is a crucial step.

The European Union has also decided to lift all remaining economic sanctions against Syria. This is done to further alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the country and support the necessary reconstruction. The Islamist HTS militia, which overthrew Assad in December, is led by interim head of state Ahmed al-Sharaa, who is aiming for a more moderate image.

Current measures in the EU

In parallel with the US measures, the EU also has its own sanctions against Syria. Decision 2013/255/CFSP obliges EU Member States to exclude specific persons from entry or transit. Financial sanctions are also in force: funds and economic resources of certain individuals and organizations are frozen, with the exception of humanitarian aid.

In addition, the EU prohibits the purchase, import or transport of military equipment from Syria as well as the sale of technologies for monitoring Internet or telephone traffic without authorization. The sale of luxury goods and cultural goods from Syria is also regulated. These extensive measures from the EU complement the easing of US sanctions and highlight the complex situation in Syria.

In the hope of an end to the years-long crisis in Syria, these steps by both the US and the EU could pave the way for positive developments.

For further information on the sanctions in Syria, you can refer to the reporting by ZDF and WKO be referred.