Germany presses EU to rethink sanctions on Syria, sources say

Germany is leading discussions within the European Union on easing sanctions imposed on the Syrian government of toppled President Bashar al-Assad and supporting the country’s population, foreign ministry sources said Tuesday.

"We are actively discussing ways to provide sanctions relief to the Syrian people in certain sectors," one of the sources said, adding that such a move would require an unanimous EU decision.

Germany's foreign ministry declined to comment on the matter.

The discussions follow a rebel offensive that overthrew Assad on Dec. 8, with rebels from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) — who led the advance — establishing a caretaker government.

On Monday, the U.S. issued a six-month sanctions exemption for some Syrian government bodies to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid, address power shortages, and allow personal remittances.

The EU, U.S., U.K., and other nations imposed tough sanctions on Syria after Assad’s crackdown on anti-regime protests in 2011 escalated into a civil war. While HTS has renounced ties to Al Qaeda, it remains designated as a terrorist group by the United Nations and the U.S.

Germany first floated the idea of easing sanctions on Syria in documents sent to Brussels before Christmas.

The Financial Times reported Tuesday that the documents outline how the EU could gradually lift restrictions on Syria in exchange for progress on social issues, including minority and women's rights and commitments to non-proliferation.

The FT, citing an unnamed source familiar with the EU discussions, noted that, like the U.S., the EU could make any easing of sanctions temporary, allowing it to be reversed if necessary.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visited Syria on Friday, meeting with HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa alongside her French counterpart. Baerbock emphasized that all Syrian groups, including women and Kurds, must be involved in the country's transition to secure European support for Damascus.