In ten days, EU overseas ministers will meet in Brussels to debate the easing of sanctions in opposition to Syria. Lifting the sanctions had been into consideration because the Islamic militia faction HTS overthrew former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
EU concept to raise sanctions on Syria ought to be seen as a superb begin, says Middle East professional Maria LuisaFantappiè tells Euronews Radio Schuman today.
Fantappiè, of the Italian think tank Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), says that the proposal to lift sanctions would be a start, but that more needs to be done to create the conditions to engage with the current forces in power.
The EU plans to remove sanctions on Syrian Arab Airlines and the export of oil and gas technology. It also plans to reopen banking and investment relations between Syria and the EU.
The initiatives, outlined in a Council informal document first reported by Euronews, echo similar calls made by six EU countries, including France and Germany.
These countries stressed that if the new Syrian government failed to respect human rights and protect minorities, further sanctions could remain in place and a snapback mechanism could be introduced to reinstate any sanctions already lifted. Meanwhile, the United States recently eased some restrictions for six months to facilitate humanitarian aid in Syria, but maintained Assad-era global sanctions.
Today we also take a look at the changes within the European Commission and the best road trips in Europe.
Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by David Brodheim. Music by Alexandre Jas.
