Brussels: The European Union’s foreign policy commissioner, Kaya Kallas, announced that the EU will lift sanctions on Syria on Monday in the sectors of transportation, energy, and banking. This decision marks a significant shift in the EU’s approach towards Syria post the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the European Union will suspend sanctions on these critical sectors in an effort to aid the rebuilding of Syria. This move is seen as a response to calls from Damascus urging the West to ease sanctions, although Europe and other global powers have been hesitant to do so without clear commitments from Syria’s new regime towards a comprehensive political transition.

Diplomats have cautioned that the sanctions could be re-imposed if the new Syrian leadership fails to uphold its promises to respect minority rights and advance towards a democratic system. This underscores the EU’s conditional approach, tying the lifting of sanctions to tangible political reforms in Syria.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that while lifting some sanctions is aimed at restoring normalcy to Syria and its economy, it is imperative that the new administration ensures inclusive participation of all societal segments. This inclusivity is crucial for a successful transitional process that should culminate in a new constitution and elections.