Turkey Urges EU to Unconditionally Lift Sanctions on Syria Prior to Aid Conference
Turkey has urged the EU to unconditionally lift sanctions on Syria ahead of an international aid conference in Brussels, emphasizing the importance of economic stability for a peaceful transition under the new authorities. The EU has eased some sanctions but remains cautious about Syria’s future direction under interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
On March 16, 2025, Turkey formally urged the European Union to unconditionally lift sanctions imposed on Syria, in light of the impending international aid conference in Brussels, where representatives of Syria’s newly established authorities have been invited. This appeal reflects Turkey’s alignment with the new Syrian leadership, which ousted former president Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
The upcoming ninth international conference aims to garner global support for Syria’s transition and post-civil war recovery. This marks the first time representatives from Syria’s interim government have received an invitation, indicating a significant shift in diplomatic relations.
Although the European Union announced a minor easing of sanctions on Syria’s energy, transport, and banking sectors on February 24, concerns remain about the political trajectory of Syria under interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and his group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which played a pivotal role in the regime change.
EU foreign ministers have made it clear that any further easing of sanctions hinges on the new government’s commitment to respecting minority rights and pursuing democratic governance. Turkey emphasized the necessity of Syria’s economic security for its overall stability, arguing that the sanctions should be lifted without conditions to foster economic development and job creation.
Turkey, a host to nearly three million Syrian refugees, is advocating for Syria’s reconstruction as a means to facilitate their return. Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz is set to participate in the Brussels conference, reinforcing Turkey’s commitment to this cause.
In summary, Turkey’s call to lift EU sanctions on Syria highlights the urgent need for economic stability as the country navigates a new political landscape following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The facilitation of international support is critical for Syria’s recovery, yet concerns about the new leadership’s commitment to democratic principles and minority rights pose ongoing challenges. Turkey’s role, particularly in terms of refugee management and reconstruction, underscores its vested interest in Syria’s future stability and prosperity.
Original Source: www.euractiv.com
