EU to Lift Economic Sanctions on Syria, Rubio Warns of Civil War

In a landmark policy shift, the European Union has announced it will lift its economic sanctions on Syria, signaling growing international support for the country’s post-Assad transition. The decision was confirmed by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas following a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels.

“We want to help the Syrian people rebuild a new, inclusive and peaceful Syria,” Kallas posted on social media platform X, reaffirming the bloc’s commitment to supporting Syrians after 14 years of civil war and turmoil.

Sanctions Lifted in Coordination with U.S. Policy Shift

The EU’s announcement follows closely on the heels of a dramatic move by U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated last week that Washington would lift all remaining American sanctions on Syria. The timing of the EU’s decision underscores a coordinated transatlantic shift aimed at stabilizing Syria under its new interim leadership.

Trump’s announcement came just before his meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s interim president, who led the coalition that toppled long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December. Assad’s regime had been internationally isolated following its brutal suppression of democratic protests in 2011, which escalated into a devastating civil war.

A Divisive New Chapter Under al-Sharaa

Al-Sharaa, a controversial figure due to his past as a commander in the al-Qaeda-linked group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), now leads a transitional government that has promised political inclusivity and national reconstruction. While HTS remains listed as a terrorist organization by the U.S., EU, and UK, Western governments appear cautiously optimistic about al-Sharaa’s moderate turn.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasized the conditional nature of Europe’s support: “We want to give the new leadership a real chance. But in return, we expect inclusive politics — involving all population and religious groups.”

Lifting Sanctions: What It Means

According to a statement by the Council of the EU, economic sanctions are being lifted to support Syria’s “inclusive political transition.” However, restrictions related to arms transfers, technologies that could be used for internal repression, and sanctions on individuals linked to human rights abuses under the Assad regime will remain in place.

The EU also plans to introduce new targeted sanctions against actors who incite instability or commit human rights violations during the transition process.

The Syrian foreign ministry welcomed the move, declaring it an “historic opportunity” for rebuilding and promising closer engagement with European investors to revive Syria’s war-ravaged economy.

Troubling Violence Undermines Fragile Peace

Despite international optimism, recent sectarian violence in Syria has cast a shadow over the new leadership. In March, nearly 900 civilians — most of them from Assad’s Alawite sect — were reportedly killed by pro-government loyalists in western Syria, while over 100 people died in May during violent clashes involving Druze militants, Sunni Islamist fighters, and transitional security forces.

These flare-ups reflect ongoing ethnic and religious tensions that threaten to destabilize the fragile transitional regime. Many minority communities remain wary of the HTS-dominated government, fearing renewed persecution or marginalization.

Rubio Warns of Imminent Collapse

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, offered a blunt assessment: “The transitional authority may be weeks, not months, away from collapse and a full-scale civil war of epic proportions.”

Rubio defended Trump’s move to lift sanctions, arguing that aid from other countries had been hindered by fear of violating U.S. restrictions. “If we engage them, it may work out. If we don’t, it definitely won’t,” he said.

He also acknowledged that transitional leaders “didn’t pass their FBI background check,” referencing their militant past, but insisted that inaction would only guarantee further chaos.

Trump and al-Sharaa: An Unlikely Alliance

In a high-profile meeting hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Trump shook hands with Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh last week. Trump described Sharaa as a “strong, tough guy” and praised him for having “a real shot at pulling Syria together.”

Sharaa, for his part, called the lifting of sanctions “a historic and courageous decision that alleviates the people’s suffering and lays the foundations for stability in the region.”

Yet skepticism persists, particularly among European and U.S. officials who remain concerned about HTS’s legacy and Syria’s sectarian divisions. The months ahead will be crucial in determining whether the sanctions relief can help steer the country toward peace — or inadvertently fuel another cycle of conflict.

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