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Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Development Minister Reem Alabali-Radovan on the lifting of all economic sanctions against Syria
At today’s Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, the EU member states agreed to lift all economic sanctions against Syria.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul commented as follows today (20 May 2025)
The European Union wants to embark on a fresh start with Syria. That is why we are lifting further sanctions, in particular in the economic sphere – including those against Syria’s central bank. We are thus giving the Syrian Government a chance, but we also expect it to pursue inclusive policies within the country which extend to all sections of the population and religious groups. Syria has always been a diverse country. It is important to us that this will enable a united Syria to take charge of its own destiny.
Development Minister Reem Alabali-Radovan stated today (20 May 2025)
This is a moment of hope and a new beginning for the people of Syria. To ensure a fresh start in Syria that is peaceful and successful, it is crucial that the economy recovers and that people can meet their basic needs. Lifting the sanctions will increase Syrian society’s ability to help itself. A successful new start in Syria also requires strong international support. Many countries are ready to provide this. And Germany will also do its part: alongside the German Government, there are many people with Syrian roots, from doctors to business-owners, who are willing to invest or contribute their skills. In my previous role as Minister of State at the Federal Chancellery, I built contacts with the Syrian diaspora in Germany, and I will draw on these as Development Minister. The engagement of Syrian people living in Germany is a huge opportunity for the new beginning in Syria. And this engagement will be much easier in future without sanctions.
Further information on the lifting of sanctions:
As part of its eight-point plan for Syria following the toppling of the Assad regime, the German Government proposed early on to the EU the gradual suspension of certain sectoral sanctions, in particular the first de-listings in the spheres of transport and energy as well as the indefinite extension of humanitarian exemptions. This was adopted by the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council on 24 February 2025. The German Government has welcomed the US announcement that sanctions against Syria are being lifted and has always worked in this direction in bilateral talks.
The current second round of EU sanctions waivers is partly due to a German initiative and resulted in today’s decision by the EU Foreign Ministers to lift the economic sanctions against Syria. The de-listing of key economic enterprises in the critical fields of energy and finance was also agreed.
Security-related sanctions will remain in place, as will those specifically targeted against the chemical weapons programme and those connected to the Assad regime.
Information for the Syrian diaspora on how to get involved
There are almost a million Syrians living in Germany. Many of them can and want to get involved in Syria’s reconstruction following the fall of the Assad regime. The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has set up the platform https://www.bmz.de/en/new-beginning-syria. It contains information on how to get involved in Syria’s reconstruction, what support the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development is providing and a networking portal. Those who sign up to the portal receive regular updates and can get into contact with other engaged stakeholders. Exchange formats on individual issues and series of events have already been launched. This week, for example, an information event on the lifting of the sanctions is being organised via the platform. Almost 500 stakeholders are now registered on the platform.