Turkey requested the EU to lift sanctions on Syria ahead of an international aid conference in Brussels. Ankara argues this step is essential for a peaceful transition following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The EU recently eased some sanctions but remains cautious about Syria’s direction under the new leadership. Turkey emphasizes the need for economic security and reconstruction to support refugees’ return.
On March 16, 2025, Turkey urged the European Union to lift sanctions on Syria without conditions, especially in light of an upcoming international aid conference in Brussels, which will include participation from Syria’s newly established authorities. This call comes after the new rulers, who ousted President Bashar al-Assad in December, have been recognized by Ankara as crucial for achieving a “peaceful transition” in Syria, as stated by Turkey’s foreign ministry.
The EU is set to host the ninth international conference aimed at supporting Syria, marking the first instance in which representatives from the new Syrian government will attend. The conference focuses on garnering international assistance for Syria’s recovery after over 13 years of civil conflict.
Prior to the conference, the EU announced a partial easing of sanctions on Syria’s energy, transport, and banking sectors, intended to alleviate difficulties faced by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. However, EU nations remain cautious regarding the potential actions of Sharaa’s Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which played a pivotal role in the overthrow of Assad.
While there are hopes for stabilization under Sharaa’s leadership towards an inclusive governance, concerns regarding recent violence against the Alawite minority, of which Assad is a member, persist. EU foreign ministers have indicated that any violations of promises to safeguard minority rights and promote democracy could result in the reinstatement of sanctions.
Turkey’s foreign ministry emphasized that “Syria’s economic security is essential for the country’s stability and security,” advocating for the unconditional lifting of sanctions to generate economic opportunities and employment. Turkey also highlighted the importance of reconstructing Syria to facilitate the return of the nearly three million Syrian refugees currently residing in Turkey. Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz is slated to attend the Brussels conference.
Turkey’s call for the unconditional lifting of EU sanctions on Syria reflects its strategic alignment with the new interim authorities in Syria. As the EU prepares to support Syria’s recovery through an international conference, the balancing act between encouraging stability and addressing security concerns surrounding minority rights remains crucial. The outcome of this call and subsequent conference could have significant implications for Syria’s federal transition and reconstruction efforts, as well as its relationships with regional stakeholders.
Original Source: www.euractiv.com
