EU approves use of frozen Assad assets for Syria’s reconstruction

The European Parliament approved a resolution on Wednesday allowing the use of frozen assets belonging to the Bashar al-Assad regime to support Syria’s political transition and reconstruction efforts.

The resolution calls on the European Union and its member states to back Syria’s transitional forces and urges Damascus to sever its alliances with Tehran and Moscow. It also emphasizes the need for an inclusive political transition that represents all religious and ethnic communities in the country.

The measure passed with overwhelming support, receiving 462 votes in favor, 76 against, and 106 abstentions.

Highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the European Parliament noted that approximately 500,000 people remain internally displaced in Syria, while 90% of the population lives below the poverty line. It urged the EU to continue providing humanitarian assistance and emphasized the importance of supporting neighboring countries hosting around 5.5 million Syrian refugees. The resolution also welcomed a new €235 million humanitarian aid package.

In a related development, the French government announced on Wednesday that it would not consider lifting sanctions on Syria unless the Assad regime halts human rights violations, particularly those linked to the killing of over 1,000 civilians in the coastal region without accountability.