BRUSSELS: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has proposed a further loosening of European sanctions on Syria to allow funding for Syrian ministries in areas including reconstruction and migration, according to a document seen by reporters. The move comes after US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he would order the lifting of sanctions on Syria.
European Union foreign ministers are expected to discuss the relationship with Damascus at a meeting in Brussels next week. The EU has already eased sanctions related to energy, transport and reconstruction, as well as associated financial transactions, but some member states have pushed for further relief to help smooth Syria’s transition.
French President Emmanuel Macron said this month after hosting Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa that Paris would push for the EU to end its sanctions when they come up for renewal. Under the new proposal, dated on May 14, the EU would allow member states to provide funding to Syria’s ministries of defence and interior for cooperation "in the areas of reconstruction, capacity-building, counter-terrorism and migration", the document said. — Reuters
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