Turkey Urges EU to Lift Sanctions for Syria’s Recovery and Stability

Turkey has requested the EU to lift all sanctions on Syria unconditionally in light of an international aid conference in Brussels. The Turkish foreign ministry believes easing sanctions is essential for Syria’s peaceful transition under its new leadership. The conference will be the first to officially include Syria’s new interim authorities as participants, marking a significant step in international support for the country post-civil war.

On March 16, 2025, Turkey urged the European Union to unconditionally lift sanctions imposed on Syria ahead of an upcoming international aid conference in Brussels, which has invited representatives from Syria’s new authorities. Ankara supports the new leadership, which ousted President Bashar al-Assad, and views the lifting of sanctions as critical for a peaceful transition in Syria, according to a statement from Turkey’s foreign ministry.

The conference, set for March 17, marks the ninth international meeting aimed at supporting Syria following over 13 years of civil conflict. Notably, the new interim authorities of Syria are participating for the first time, as the international community seeks to bolster support for the country’s recovery and transition.

On February 24, the EU had already relaxed some sanctions in Syria’s energy, transport, and banking sectors to help alleviate the difficulties faced by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Nevertheless, skepticism remains regarding the potential direction of Sharaa’s faction, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which led the campaign against Assad.

Concerns over recent violence targeting the Alawite minority have intensified doubts about the interim government’s ability to ensure peace. EU foreign ministers have cautioned that any breach of promises related to minority rights or democratic reforms could lead to the reinstatement of previously eased sanctions.

Turkey’s foreign ministry emphasized the need for economic stability in Syria, stating that creating job opportunities is vital. They firmly argued that the sanctions should be lifted without conditions and for an undetermined duration, noting that reconstruction efforts must also begin to facilitate the return of nearly three million Syrian refugees currently residing in Turkey. Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz is scheduled to attend the Brussels event.

In conclusion, Turkey’s call for the unconditional lifting of EU sanctions on Syria underscores the country’s belief in the necessity of economic stability for a peaceful transition following years of civil conflict. With the EU’s initial easing of sanctions and the invitation to Syria’s new leaders at the upcoming conference, there is cautious optimism for Syria’s recovery. However, concerns regarding governance and minority rights still loom, highlighting the delicate balance the international community must maintain as it supports Syria’s transformation.

Original Source: www.euractiv.com