On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the European Union adopted legal acts to lift economic sanctions on Syria, excluding those related to security. This decision aims to support the country's reunification and reconstruction efforts. The EU Council formalized the political decision announced on May 20th by EU foreign ministers.
As part of this initiative, the Council removed 24 entities from the EU's list of those subject to asset freezes. These entities include banks like the Central Bank of Syria, and companies in key sectors such as oil production, refining, cotton, and telecommunications. Media and television outlets were also removed from the list.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, stated the decision is the right one to support Syria's recovery and political transition. The Council extended restrictions on individuals and entities linked to the Bashar al-Assad regime until June 1, 2026. New restrictive measures were also introduced against two individuals and three entities for human rights abuses in the coastal region of Syria.