EU Council renews sanctions against Syria for another year

Brussels – Another year of sanctions against the Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad and his supporters: “In view of the gravity of the deteriorating situation in Syria,” the EU Council has decided to renew and extend until June 1, 2025, the restrictive measures first introduced in May 2011.

The 27 Member states say they are “deeply concerned” about the lack of progress. “After more than 13 years, the conflict remains a source of suffering and instability for the Syrian people and the region,” according to a statement from the EU Council. In this context, the Council finds that “the Syrian regime continues to pursue a policy of repression and violations of human rights. It is therefore appropriate and necessary to maintain the restrictive measures in place.”