Turkey has urged the EU to lift sanctions on Syria ahead of a crucial aid conference in Brussels that will see the participation of new Syrian authorities. Turkey believes that lifting sanctions is necessary for the country’s economic and political stability, particularly after over a decade of civil war. The EU has already eased some sanctions but remains cautious about the new government’s commitment to minority rights and democracy.
On March 16, 2025, Turkey appealed to the European Union to lift sanctions on Syria without conditions, on the eve of an international aid conference in Brussels. This call comes as the new authorities in Syria, who replaced the ousted president Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, have been invited to attend the conference aimed at garnering support for Syria’s recovery post-civil war.
The European Union is set to host its ninth international conference focused on Syria, which marks a significant moment as the interim Syrian government has been included for the first time. The conference seeks to gather international backing for Syria’s transition following over 13 years of conflict.
Earlier in February, the EU announced a partial easing of sanctions in sectors such as energy, transport, and banking, aiming to alleviate challenges faced by Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. Despite this, there remains caution, particularly regarding the influence of his Islamist faction, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which led the offensive that ousted Assad.
While hopes exist for stability under Sharaa’s leadership, recent violent incidents targeting the Alawite minority create skepticism about future conditions. EU foreign ministers have cautioned that the sanctions could be reinstated should the new Syrian leadership fail to respect minority rights and commit to democratic principles.
The Turkish foreign ministry underscored the importance of Syria’s economic security for overall stability, emphasizing the need to create jobs and economic opportunities. It asserted, “The sanctions must be lifted unconditionally and for an indeterminate period.” Furthermore, Turkey, which currently accommodates nearly three million Syrian refugees, advocates for reconstruction efforts in Syria to facilitate their return. Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz is scheduled to represent Turkey at the Brussels conference.
Turkey has called on the European Union to lift sanctions on Syria ahead of an important international aid conference. Turkey’s foreign ministry emphasizes that lifting these sanctions is essential for Syria’s economic stability and recovery, especially with new authorities now in place following the ousting of Assad. The EU’s cautious approach reflects concerns regarding minority rights and the political direction under the new government, while Turkey pushes for reconstruction and support for Syrian refugees.
Original Source: www.euractiv.com
