Lifting EU sanctions more impactful for Syrians – Syrian Analyst

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Lifting European sanctions on Syria could have a more immediate impact than a similar move by the United States, as it would encourage broader international engagement with Syria, a political analyst said on Wednesday.

Hossam Taleb told North Press that however this step would not necessarily lead to direct improvements in the daily lives of Syrians or progress in reconstruction.

Taleb explained that lifting U.S. sanctions provides a general framework—an umbrella that allows countries to engage with Syria—but lifting European sanctions is more significant from a legal and economic perspective, as it is directly tied to the country’s economic and living conditions.

He emphasized that economic and trade relations between Syria and Europe are vital, particularly in areas such as commerce, financial transactions, and infrastructure reconstruction.

Taleb stressed that removing European sanctions could lead to faster improvements in the lives of Syrian citizens, as the effects would be more tangible compared to those of U.S. sanctions. This is largely due to Europe’s pivotal role in key sectors such as energy, banking, and transportation, which are crucial for economic recovery.

By Norman al-Abbas