Turkey has urged the EU to lift sanctions on Syria as it prepares for an international aid conference. This request follows Turkey’s alignment with Syria’s new interim authorities after the ousting of President Assad. The EU has taken preliminary steps to ease some sanctions, yet concerns about governance and minority rights persist as the international community seeks to support Syria’s recovery post-civil war.
On March 16, 2025, Turkey formally urged the European Union to unconditionally lift sanctions on Syria in light of an upcoming international aid conference in Brussels. This call comes as Turkey aligns itself with the new Syrian authorities that replaced President Bashar al-Assad in December. The Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that lifting the sanctions is crucial for ensuring a “peaceful transition” in Syria.
The EU is set to host its ninth international conference aimed at supporting Syria, with the new interim authorities invited for the first time. The conference is designed to garner global assistance for Syria’s recovery after a prolonged civil war that lasted over 13 years. Recently, the EU announced a modest easing of sanctions, particularly affecting the energy, transport, and banking sectors to facilitate improvements for Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Despite these actions, concerns persist regarding the potential direction of Sharaa’s Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). This group played a pivotal role in the recent ousting of Assad but raises questions about stability and governance. Furthermore, the EU has acknowledged that any eased sanctions might be restored should Syria’s leaders fail to uphold commitments concerning minority rights and democratic progress.
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry emphasized the necessity of fostering Syria’s economic security to support overall stability. It stressed the importance of generating economic opportunities and jobs, demanding that sanctions be lifted without conditions and for an indefinite duration. With nearly three million Syrian refugees residing in Turkey, the Turkish government is also advocating for reconstruction efforts in Syria to promote the safe return of displaced individuals.
Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz is scheduled to participate in the Brussels conference, highlighting Turkey’s active role in addressing the ongoing challenges faced by Syria.
In summary, Turkey has officially called for the European Union to lift sanctions on Syria to facilitate a transition towards stability and rebuilding. The EU’s international conference will play a critical role in providing support, though concerns remain about the new authorities’ governance and commitment to minority rights. Turkey’s involvement emphasizes its vested interest in stabilizing the region amidst ongoing humanitarian challenges.
Original Source: www.euractiv.com
