EU moves to ease sanctions on Syrian ministers

(MENAFN) The European Union has decided to remove sanctions imposed on Syria’s interior and defense ministers as part of a wider effort to reestablish engagement with Damascus, according to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

Speaking after a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Kallas said: "We also agreed to lift the sanctions on Syria’s interior and defense ministers."

She explained that the move is tied to broader attempts to rebuild relations with Syrian authorities and support the country’s political transition following years of isolation during the rule of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

EU officials also agreed to fully reactivate the EU-Syria Cooperation Agreement, parts of which had previously been suspended, while preparations were made for a high-level political dialogue with Syrian officials later the same day.

Kallas also said the EU is working to strengthen security and defense cooperation efforts in the Strait of Hormuz as regional instability continues to rise following recent tensions involving Iran.

According to her remarks, ministers discussed expanding support for the EU naval mission Aspides, which focuses on protecting maritime security and ensuring freedom of navigation, as well as its possible role in wider international maritime coordination efforts.

The ministers additionally reviewed trade-related measures concerning Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, with several EU member states reportedly pushing for additional action. Kallas noted that the European Commission would continue examining potential proposals on the issue.

Regarding the war in Ukraine, Kallas said EU ministers reviewed the latest battlefield developments and argued that Ukraine is currently in a "much better position than a year ago."

She added that discussions also covered possible security guarantees in the event of a ceasefire, including stronger satellite monitoring mechanisms, while emphasizing that any future peace process must take place in coordination with Kyiv.

EU ministers further examined Ukraine’s accession process to the bloc, with Kallas praising what she described as "remarkable reform progress" achieved despite ongoing wartime conditions.

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