The European Union’s announcement of a complete lifting of economic sanctions on Syria has been met with widespread approval from international figures and organisations.
On Tuesday, May 20, United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Geir O. Pedersen, expressed his appreciation for the EU’s swift action:
“The decision taken by the European Union is important in supporting the Syrian people in their quest to build a comprehensive, peaceful, and just future,” he stated in a post on X.
Stefano Ravagnan, Italy’s Ambassador to Syria, also welcomed the move:
“We wish all the best for Syria in the new phase, and we are more than willing to support the reconstruction process in all areas,” he wrote on X.
German Special Envoy to Syria, Stefan Schneck, described the EU’s decision as “a positive step towards stability.” In an interview with Al Jazeera, he noted:
“Germany has played a pivotal role in lifting European sanctions on Syria and has contributed over the past months in the fields of transport, financial affairs, and energy.”
He expressed hope that lifting sanctions would aid Syria’s economic and political reconstruction, aligning with the aspirations of its people. He also noted Germany’s interest in building partnerships with Syria to address shared challenges such as combating drug trafficking and illegal trade.
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassim Mohammad Al-Budaiwi, voiced optimism that the decision would alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people:
“We hope that the resolution will open new horizons to begin a phase of recovery and rebuilding, leading to consolidating security and stability, and achieving a prosperous future for Syria and its honourable people,” he stated on the Council’s website.
The Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs also welcomed the EU’s decision, describing it as a positive step toward building a modern Syrian state and achieving the aspirations of its people for stability, according to the Bahrain News Agency (BANA).
The ministry reiterated Bahrain’s firm position in support of Syria’s unity, sovereignty, security, and independence, as well as its efforts in recovery, reconstruction, and sustainable development.
European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, emphasized the strategic importance of the decision:
“There is no peace in Syria without economic recovery and stability,” she stated during a press conference in Brussels.
“We have decided to lift the economic sanctions we imposed on Syria, and we want to help the Syrian people build a new, comprehensive, and peaceful Syria.”
She added that lifting sanctions is reversible and conditional on progress, stressing that the EU faces two choices:
“Either give the Syrian people the opportunity to access services and jobs and pay their salaries to reduce extremism, or deny them that opportunity and lose our voice on human rights and other issues that concern us.”
On May 20, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Transitional Government also welcomed the European Union’s decision to lift the sanctions.
