Syrian FM Welcomes EU Sanctions Lift as “Historic Achievement”
By Kardo Roj
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani on Tuesday described the European Union’s decision to lift all sanctions on Syria as a “historic achievement,” echoing similar sentiments following a recent U.S. policy shift announced last week.
The EU’s decision, made public earlier in the day, follows a landmark announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump from Riyadh, in which he declared the full removal of American sanctions against Syria. Both moves have been widely seen as efforts to reintegrate Syria into regional and international frameworks after years of diplomatic and economic isolation.
In a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, al-Shibani stated: “Together with our Syrian people, we are witnessing a historic achievement with the lifting of EU sanctions on Syria. We extend our gratitude to the EU member states and to all those who contributed to this success.”
He added that the removal of sanctions would serve as a catalyst for improving “security, stability, and prosperity” across the country, while also calling for a renewed national vision aligned with Syria’s rich cultural heritage and aspirations for the future.
The sanctions, first imposed over a decade ago in response to the Syrian conflict, included restrictions on trade, energy transactions, banking, and travel. Their lifting is expected to unlock access to foreign capital, international markets, and humanitarian development projects, although the practical timeline for such impacts remains to be seen.
The European Commission has not yet issued a detailed breakdown of the measures removed or the conditions attached to the decision. However, diplomatic sources indicated that the EU’s move was coordinated in consultation with regional actors and follows months of behind-the-scenes dialogue.
In northeastern Syria, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) has cautiously welcomed recent international developments. The region continues to maintain local governance through civilian institutions, supported by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which play a central role in safeguarding regional security and ensuring the stability necessary for reconstruction and humanitarian access.
While economic improvements may hinge on implementation and local coordination, today’s developments signal a potential turning point in Syria’s long-standing efforts to reestablish international relations and secure recovery pathways.