EU lifts Assad-era sanctions on key Syrian ministries | The National

HeadphonesListen to articleAl Hamidiyah Souq in Damascus. Sanctions relief shows 'the strengthening of the EU’s engagement with Syria', the bloc said. Getty ImagesAl Hamidiyah Souq in Damascus. Sanctions relief shows 'the strengthening of the EU’s engagement with Syria', the bloc said. Getty ImagesInterior and defence among seven entities to get relief, while other measures are extendedThe NationalMay 19, 2026HeadphonesBookmark

The EU has lifted sanctions on seven Syrian government entities, including the interior and defence ministries, to deepen engagement with the post-Assad administration.

Sanctions on individuals and entities linked to former president Bashar Al Assad were renewed, keeping asset freezes, travel bans and funding prohibitions in place.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani welcomed penalties on former regime figures implicated in “crimes against our people,” while backing broader normalisation with Europe.

Brussels fully lifted economic sanctions on Syria in May 2025 but maintained measures targeting former officials and security-related listings to safeguard the political transition.