The European Union is in talks over a potential agreement to ease certain sanctions on Syria’s energy sector. The proposal includes lifting restrictions on crude oil imports from Syria and allowing the export of technologies crucial to the country’s oil and gas industry.The EU is considering lifting restrictions on oil financing, refining, and power plant construction.
Plans may also include removing some banks from sanctions and easing limits on Syria’s central bank, though asset freezes would likely remain.The EU is discussing easing sanctions on Syria’s energy sector, including lifting bans on crude imports, oil tech exports, and financing for oil refining and power plants.
Plans may also remove some banks from sanctions and ease restrictions on Syria’s central bank, though asset freezes would remain.EU ministers agreed to gradually ease restrictions after Assad’s removal, contingent on reforms. A snapback mechanism is still under debate, with some states pushing for a veto option. The plan awaits legal review and may change before finalization.
Some EU nations seek Russia’s reduced influence in Syria, pushing for the closure of two Russian military bases as a condition for easing sanctions.Moscow is negotiating to keep its bases—a key Mediterranean port and an airbase vital for African operations—while offering to aid Syria’s reconstruction.The EU may lift bans on banknotes and jet fuel exports while easing restrictions on airlines and airport access.
Exemptions could also allow opening bank accounts in Syria.Before the 2011 civil war, Syria produced nearly 400,000 barrels of crude daily, but output has fallen, with many fields now controlled by Kurdish forces.
