The European Union (EU) is considering a partial suspension of sanctions targeting Syria’s energy industry, potentially lifting the ban on crude oil imports and the export of oil and gas technologies, according to a report by Bloomberg. The potential move comes as the EU seeks to engage with Syria’s new leadership and limit Russian influence in the country.
Citing informed sources, Bloomberg reported that the proposed deal could ease restrictions on financing oil exploration, refining activities, and the construction of new power plants within Syria. Other contemplated measures include removing several Syrian banks from the EU sanctions list and partially lifting some restrictions on the Central Bank of Syria to facilitate the provision of necessary funds. Sources indicated, however, that Syrian assets linked to the Central Bank of Syria and currently frozen within the EU would likely remain so.
The potential easing of sanctions follows an agreement among EU foreign ministers last month on a roadmap for gradually relaxing restrictions on Syria after the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December. Bloomberg reports that the easing of restrictions is “conditional on reforms,” including “engaging minorities.” EU foreign ministers have reportedly agreed to implement the measures in a way that allows for their reversal if the Syrian government fails to meet these conditions.
Sources indicate that EU member states have yet to agree on the specifics of a “snapback” mechanism to quickly reimpose the sanctions if necessary, with some EU capitals reportedly seeking a veto on any review once the mechanism is triggered. The proposed plan and measures will undergo legal review once an agreement is reached, and could change before any official announcement, as discussions are ongoing.
The Syrian government is open to letting Russia keep its air and naval bases along the Mediterranean coast as long as any agreement with the Kremlin serves the country’s interests, Syrian Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra told The Washington Post in an interview last week. This underscores the pragmatic approach taken by his government as it charts new alliances and reassesses old ones forged under the previous regime.
According to Abu Qasra, Russia’s attitude toward the new Syrian government has “improved significantly” since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad in December, and Damascus is weighing Moscow’s demands, signaling a dramatic shift among the former militants who make up the government.
Asked if Russia would be allowed to maintain its naval port at Tartus and the Hmeimim air base in Latakia, Abu Qasra said: “If we get benefits for Syria out of this, yes.”
Bloomberg suggests that lifting the sanctions would support Syria during its transition under the new President, Ahmed Al-Sharaa. The move could also facilitate the return of millions of displaced Syrians currently residing in Europe, ease the flow of humanitarian aid, and encourage protections for women and minorities.
The report states that some EU member states are pushing for the closure of Russia’s two military bases in Syria as a condition for easing sanctions. However, Moscow is reportedly in talks with Damascus to maintain its military presence. Russia has indicated its willingness to assist in rebuilding war-torn Syria, provided it can retain its existing military facilities: the Khmeimim Air Base in Latakia and the naval base in Tartus.
Other proposed measures being considered by the EU include lifting the ban on the export of banknotes and jet fuel, as well as easing restrictions on airlines and access to Syrian airports. The proposals also include exemptions from existing sanctions related to opening bank accounts in Syria.
Before the outbreak of the war in 2011, Syria produced approximately 400,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Since then, production has declined, and many of the oil fields are now controlled by US-backed Kurdish forces.
