The Council of Europe decided to suspend a number of restrictive measures against Syria, which became part of the EU's efforts to support the transition of power in the country, as well as its rapid economic recovery. «The EU seeks to facilitate interaction with Syria, its population, and business in key areas of energy and transport, as well as to ease financial and banking operations related to these sectors and necessary for humanitarian purposes and reconstruction», — stated in the message on the official website of the organization.
The Council of Europe decided to suspend sectoral measures in the energy (including oil, gas, and electricity) and transport sectors, exclude five organizations (Industrial Bank, People's Credit Bank, Savings Bank, Agricultural Cooperative Bank, and Syrian Arab Airlines) from the list of those subject to asset freezes, and also allow the provision of funds and economic resources to the Syrian Central Bank.
Exceptions were introduced to the ban on establishing banking relations between Syrian banks and financial institutions in EU member states to allow operations related to the energy and transport sectors, as well as operations necessary for humanitarian purposes and economic recovery.
Exceptions were also introduced to the ban on the export of luxury goods to Syria, now this can be done for personal use.
At the same time, the Council of Europe maintained sanctions concerning the Assad regime, the chemical weapons sector, and illegal drug trafficking, as well as a number of sectoral measures such as arms trade, dual-use goods, equipment for internal repression, interception and surveillance software, and the import/export of Syria's cultural heritage goods.
After the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, the European Council in its conclusions of December 19, 2024, emphasized the historic opportunity for all Syrians to reunite and rebuild the country, as well as highlighted the importance of a Syrian-led political process that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.
Earlier, Syrian customs notified of a ban on the import of goods from Russia, Iran, and Israel. Goods from these countries are subject to confiscation.