Fact Check: "EU follows U.S. in lifting nearly all sanctions on Syria."
What We Know
In recent months, both the United States and the European Union have taken significant steps to relax sanctions imposed on Syria, primarily in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the need for economic recovery following the civil war. The U.S. began easing restrictions with the issuance of General License No. 25 and a waiver under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, allowing for certain transactions with the Syrian government and its financial institutions (Mayer Brown). The EU followed suit, announcing the lifting of nearly all remaining economic sanctions on Syria effective May 29, 2025, which included the delisting of several key Syrian banks and the removal of restrictions on various economic activities (Baker McKenzie).
However, it is essential to note that while both the U.S. and the EU have relaxed sanctions, not all sanctions have been lifted. The U.S. maintains prohibitions against transactions involving terrorist organizations and specific countries like Russia, Iran, and North Korea, as well as targeted sanctions against individuals linked to the Assad regime (Mayer Brown). Similarly, the EU retains certain security-related sanctions, including an arms embargo and asset freezes on individuals associated with the former regime (Baker McKenzie).
Analysis
The claim that the EU follows the U.S. in lifting nearly all sanctions on Syria is partially true. Both entities have indeed made significant moves to relax sanctions, but the scope and nature of these relaxations differ. The U.S. has implemented a broader easing of sanctions, allowing for more extensive business interactions with the Syrian government, while the EU's approach remains more cautious, retaining several critical restrictions (Mayer Brown, Baker McKenzie).
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high, as they come from reputable law firms and organizations that specialize in sanctions and international law. They provide detailed insights into the changes in sanctions and the legal frameworks governing them. However, it is crucial to recognize that the interpretation of these changes can vary based on the political and economic context, which may introduce some bias in how the information is presented.
Moreover, the ongoing geopolitical dynamics and the potential for future policy reversals mean that the situation remains fluid. The U.S. and EU have both indicated that the lifting of sanctions is subject to change based on developments in Syria, which adds a layer of complexity to the claim (Baker McKenzie, Mayer Brown).
Conclusion
The verdict on the claim that "EU follows U.S. in lifting nearly all sanctions on Syria" is Partially True. While both the U.S. and the EU have made significant strides in relaxing sanctions, the extent and nature of these relaxations differ. The U.S. has lifted a broader range of restrictions compared to the EU, which retains important sanctions related to security and human rights. Therefore, while the claim captures a significant trend, it oversimplifies the nuances involved in the sanctions landscape.
