Timeline - Syria

The inaugural session of the People’s Assembly in Syria marks another welcome step in the country's political transition.

The EU and its member states stand ready to engage with the People's Assembly and its members, both to support capacity building and good governance and to work together towards achieving common goals, including ensuring respect for international law and the UN Charter. 

• Syria: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the inaugural session of the People’s Assembly (press release, 16 July 2026)

The Council has renewed until 1 June 2027 the EU sanctions targeting individuals and entities linked to the former al-Assad regime in Syria.

Despite the fall of the former regime and the establishment of transitional authorities, the situation in Syria remains fragile and the risk of destabilisation persists. The EU considers that networks linked to the former al-Assad regime continue to retain influence and pose a risk of undermining the transition process and hampering efforts towards national reconciliation and accountability.

• Syria: Council renews restrictive measures targeting the former al-Assad regime for one year and de-lists certain entities (press release, 18 May 2026)

The Council adopted a decision terminating the partial suspension of the cooperation agreement between the EU and Syria. Reinstating the full application of the agreement marks an important step towards strengthening bilateral relations between the EU and Syria.

The partial suspension was introduced in 2011 in response to serious human rights violations by the regime of Bashar al-Assad.

• Syria: Council restores full application of EU-Syria cooperation agreement (press release, 11 May 2026)

One year after the fall of the Assad regime, the European Council reiterated its support for a peaceful and inclusive transition in Syria and underlined the importance of protecting the rights of Syrians from all ethnic and religious backgrounds without discrimination.

It expressed concern about foreign interference in Syria’s transitional process and urged all actors, both domestic and external, to fully respect Syria’s unity, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, in accordance with international law.

• European Council conclusions, 18 December 2025

The European Council reiterated its support to a peaceful and inclusive transition in Syria, free from harmful foreign interference, and the importance of protecting the rights of all Syrians and of transitional justice and reconciliation.

The European Union will continue to support Syria’s path to stabilisation and reconstruction.

• European Council conclusions, 23 October 2025

The European Union strongly condemns the violence that resulted in hundreds of victims in southern Syria, and especially the attacks reportedly perpetrated by several armed groups against civilians.

The EU calls for a transparent, credible and impartial investigation, and for all perpetrators of grave violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law to be held accountable and brought to justice.

• Syria: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the situation (press release, 24 July 2025)

The European Council welcomed the recent lifting of economic sanctions against Syria, as part of the European Union’s gradual, reversible approach. It recalled the importance of a peaceful and inclusive transition in Syria, free from harmful foreign interference, of the protection of the rights of Syrians from all ethnic and religious backgrounds without discrimination, and of transitional justice and reconciliation.

The European Council condemned the recent terrorist attack at the Mar Elias Church in Damascus and called for those responsible to be held to account. Syria’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within secure borders should be fully respected, in accordance with international law.

• European Council conclusions, 26 June 2025

The Council approved conclusions reaffirming the EU’s commitment to stand with the Syrian people and to support a peaceful and inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition to help build a better future for all Syrians.

The Council welcomes the commitment by the transitional government to build a new Syria based on national reconciliation, accountability, the rule of law and the separation of powers, and on human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Syrians without distinction.

• Syria: Council approves conclusions (press release, 23 June 2025)

The Council imposed sanctions on five individuals responsible for serious human rights violations and abuses in Syria, including supporting the use of chemical weapons under the al-Assad regime, and for their involvement in the recent violence in coastal regions.

• Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime: EU imposes restrictive measures on five Syrian individuals associated with the former Assad regime for supporting crimes against humanity and for fueling sectarian violence (press release, 23 June 2025)

The Council has decided to lift all economic sanctions on Syria, with the exception of those based on security grounds. The decision is intended to help the Syrian people reunite and rebuild a new, inclusive, pluralistic and peaceful Syria.

Sanctions related to the Assad regime will be maintained. In addition, the EU has sanctioned two individuals and three entities over recent human rights abuses.

• Syria: EU adopts legal acts to lift economic sanctions on Syria, enacting recent political agreement (press release, 28 May 2025)

The EU announced the political decision to lift its economic sanctions on Syria. Now is the time for the Syrian people to have the chance to reunite and rebuild a new, inclusive, pluralistic and peaceful Syria free from harmful foreign interference.

The EU will maintain sanctions related to the Assad regime in line with its call for accountability as well as sanctions based on security grounds, including arms and technology that might be used for internal repression. It will also introduce additional targeted restrictive measures against human rights violators and those fuelling instability in Syria.

• Syria: Council statement on the lifting of EU economic sanctions (press release, 20 May 2025)

EU leaders strongly condemned the recent widespread violence against civilians in Syria’s coastal region and urged the transitional authorities to ensure the protection of all civilians and that perpetrators of violence are held accountable in accordance with international norms and standards.

The European Council underlined the importance of a peaceful and inclusive transition in Syria, free from harmful foreign interference, and the protection of the rights of Syrians from all ethnic and religious backgrounds without discrimination. Syria’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within secure borders should be fully respected, in accordance with international law. 

• European Council conclusions, 20 March 2025

At the 2025 conference on ‘Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition’, the EU and its partners committed an overall sum of €5.8 billion (of which nearly €2.5 billion from the EU) for 2025 and 2026.

The funds will be used to support Syria's transition and the country's socio-economic recovery and reconstruction, as well as to address the urgent humanitarian needs both within Syria and in host communities across Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Türkiye.

• Standing with Syria - Brussels ninth conference, 17 March 2025

The European Union is gravely alarmed by the widespread violence in Syria's coastal region over the past few days, which has resulted in a high number of victims, including many civilians.

The EU strongly condemns the attacks by pro-Assad militias against the security forces, as well as the horrific crimes being committed against civilians, including summary killings, many of which have allegedly been perpetrated by armed groups supporting the security forces of the transitional authorities.

• Syria: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the recent wave of violence (press release, 11 March 2025)

The Council decided to suspend a number of restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria. This decision is part of the EU’s efforts to support an inclusive political transition in Syria, and its swift economic recovery, reconstruction, and stabilisation.

The EU aims to facilitate:

• engagement with Syria, its people and businesses in key areas of energy and transport
• financial and banking transactions associated with the energy and transport sectors and those needed for humanitarian and reconstruction purposes

• Syria: EU suspends restrictive measures on key economic sectors (press release, 24 February 2025)

Following the fall of Assad’s criminal regime in Syria, EU leaders stressed the:

• historic opportunity to reunite and rebuild the country
• importance of an inclusive and Syrian-led political process that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people
• need to ensure respect for human rights and to safeguard Syria’s cultural heritage
• importance of the fight against terrorism

EU leaders called on all parties to preserve national unity and ensure the protection of all civilians, the provision of public services, as well as the creation of conditions for an inclusive and peaceful political transition, and for safe, voluntary and dignified returns of Syrian refugees, as defined by the UNHCR. 

• European Council conclusions, 19 December 2024

The fall of Assad’s criminal regime marks a historic moment for the Syrian people, who have endured immense suffering and demonstrated extraordinary resilience in their pursuit of dignity, freedom, and justice.

The EU urges all actors to avoid any further violence, ensure the protection of civilians, uphold international law and engage in a peaceful and inclusive transition.

• Syria: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the fall of the Assad regime (press release, 9 December 2024)

The EU has sanctioned three ministers, responsible for the Syrian regime’s continued violent repression against the civilian population and human rights abuses: Minister for Internal Trade and Consumer Protection, Louai Emad El-Din al-Munajjid, Minister for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Firas Hassan Qaddour, and Minister of State, Ahmed Mohammad Bustaji. 

• Syria: Council adds three individuals to sanctions list for continued repression and human rights violations (press release, 25 November 2024)

The Council extended EU restrictive measures against the Syrian regime and its supporters until 1 June 2025, in view of the gravity of the deteriorating situation in Syria. 

The Council also decided to extend the application of the humanitarian exemption introduced in February 2023 in view of the gravity of the humanitarian crisis in Syria, exacerbated by the earthquake that hit Türkiye and Syria.

• Syria: Council renews restrictive measures and extends humanitarian exemption for another year (press release, 28 May 2024)

The donor community pledged a total amount of €7.5 billion. This overall figure includes the €2.12 billion pledged by the EU for 2024 and 2025. The total amount pledged by the EU and its member states amounted to almost €6 billion, reaffirming them as the largest donor to the Syria response.

This assistance will support both Syrians inside Syria and those in neighbouring countries, as well as their host communities in Türkiye, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq.

• Supporting the future of Syria and the region - Brussels eight conference, 27 May 2024

Ministers approved additional restrictive measures against 6 persons and 5 entities, in view of the gravity of the ongoing situation in Syria.

The new listings include:

• economic advisor to Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad
• three leading businesspersons providing support to, and benefitting from, the Syrian regime
• two persons connected to the Assad family
• Al-Dj Group, Cham Wings, Freebird Travel Agency, Iloma Investment Private JSC and Al-Aqila company

Those listed under the sanctions regime are subject to an asset freeze. The provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to them or for their benefit is also prohibited. Additionally, a ban on travel to the EU applies to the natural persons listed.

Syria continues to be a high priority for the EU. The Council remains deeply concerned about the situation in Syria.

• Syria: Council adds six persons and five entities to EU sanctions list (press release, 22 January 2024)

On 23 February 2023, the Council introduced an additional humanitarian exemption into the sanctions regime in view of the situation in Syria to facilitate the speedy delivery of humanitarian assistance, following the devastating earthquake that hit Türkiye and Syria.

To continue responding in a timely manner to the urgency of the humanitarian crisis in Syria, and to keep facilitating the rapid delivery of aid, the Council decided to extend the duration of this humanitarian exemption for a further six months until 24 February 2024.

• Syria: EU extends humanitarian exemption for another six months (press release, 14 July 2023)

The conference is the main pledging event for Syria and the region in 2023. It succeeded in mobilising aid to Syrians inside the country and in the neighbouring countries, through international pledges totalling €5.6 billion for 2023 and beyond, including €4.6 billion for 2023 and €1 billion for 2024 and beyond.

The high level ministerial segment of the conference on 15 June gathered representatives of 57 countries, including EU member states, and over 30 international organisations, including the United Nations, in addition to the EU institutions.

• Supporting the future of Syria and the region - Brussels seventh Conference

In view of the gravity of the humanitarian crisis in Syria exacerbated by the earthquake, the Council decided today to adopt an additional humanitarian amendment to further facilitate the speedy delivery of humanitarian assistance. The amendment applies for a period of six months.

With this amendment, the EU has waived the need for humanitarian organisations to seek prior permission from EU member states national competent authorities to make transfers or provide goods and services intended for humanitarian purposes to listed persons and entities.

• Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria: EU amends restrictive measures in place regarding Syria to facilitate the speedy delivery of humanitarian aid (press release, 23 February 2024)

The Council extended EU restrictive measures against the Syrian regime for an additional year, until 1 June 2023, in light of its continued repression of the civilian population in the country.

The Council also removed from the list three persons. The list now includes 289 persons targeted by both an assets freeze and a travel ban, and 70 entities subject to an assets freeze.

• Syria: Council extends sanctions against the regime for another year (press release, 31 May 2022)

The conference, which is the main pledging event for Syria and the region in 2022, succeeded in mobilising aid to Syrians inside the country and in the neighbouring countries, through pledges totalling €6.4 billion for 2022 and beyond. 

The high level ministerial segment of the conference on 10 May gathered EU institutions and representatives of 55 countries including EU member states, as well as 22 international organisations, including the United Nations.

• Supporting the future of Syria and the region - Brussels VI conference, 10 May 2022

The Council decided to add five members of the Makhlouf family to the list of persons and entities subject to targeted EU restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria.

With this decision, the list of people and entities subject to sanctions in view of the situation in Syria now includes 292 persons, targeted by both an assets freeze and a travel ban, and 70 entities subject to an assets freeze. In addition, EU persons and entities are forbidden from making funds available to both listed individuals and entities.

• Syria: EU imposes restrictive measures on additional five individuals (press release, 21 February 2022)

The Council decided to add four recently-appointed ministers to the list of persons and entities subject to targeted EU restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria.

The decision brings to 287 the number of persons targeted by a travel ban and an asset freeze. The list also includes 70 entities, which are subject to an asset freeze.

• Syria: four new ministers added to EU sanctions list (press release, 15 November 2021)

The Council extended EU restrictive measures against the Syrian regime for one additional year, until 1 June 2022, in light of the continued repression of the civilian population in the country.

The Council also removed from the list five deceased persons. The list now includes 283 persons targeted by both an assets freeze and a travel ban, and 70 entities subject to an assets freeze.

• Syria: Council extends sanctions against the regime for another year (press release, 27 May 2021)

The European Union and the United Nations co-chaired the fifth Brussels Conference on "Supporting the future of Syria and the region", which took place on 29 and 30 March 2021 in a virtual format.

Over 80 countries, international organisations, the EU and UN agencies came together to participate in the international conference and in its high level ministerial segment on Tuesday 30 March.

• Supporting the future of Syria and the region (Brussels Conference, 29-30 March 2021)

"15 March 2021 marks ten years since peaceful protests began throughout Syria. The regime’s brutal repression of the Syrian people and its failure to address the root causes of the uprising has resulted in an escalated and internationalised armed conflict.

The conflict in Syria is far from over. The European Union remains resolute, continuing to demand an end to repression, the release of detainees, and that the Syrian regime and its allies engage meaningfully in the full implementation of UN Security Council resolution 2254."

• Syria: Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the 10 years of the conflict (press release, 14 May 2021)

The Council decided to add Faisal Mekdad to the list of persons subject to EU restrictive measures on Syria, in light of his recent appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

This decision brings to 289 the total number of persons targeted by a travel ban and an asset freeze. 70 entities are also subject to an asset freeze.

• Syrian foreign affairs minister added to EU sanctions list (press release, 15 January 2021)

The Council decided to add eight members of the Syrian regime to the list of persons subject to EU restrictive measures on Syria, in light of their recent ministerial appointments.

This decision brings to 288 the total number of persons targeted by a travel ban and an asset freeze. 70 entities are also subject to an asset freeze.

• Eight Syrian ministers added to EU sanctions list (press release, 6 November 2020)

The European Union and the United Nations co-chaired the fourth Brussels Conference on “Supporting the future of Syria and the region”, which took place from 22 to 30 June 2020. In light of the necessary social distancing measures, the Conference was held in a virtual format.

80 countries, international organisations, the EU and UN agencies came together to participate in the international conference and in its high level ministerial segment on Tuesday 30 June.

The conference succeeded in mobilising aid to Syrians inside the country and in the neighbouring countries, including for hosting communities, through pledges totalling US$ 5.5 billion (€4.9 billion) for 2020, and multi-year pledges of close to US$ 2.2 billon (€2 billion) for 2021 and beyond.

• Supporting the future of Syria and the region (Brussels IV Conference, 30 June 2020)

The Council extended EU restrictive measures against the Syrian regime for one additional year, until 1 June 2021. In line with the EU strategy on Syria, the EU decided to maintain its restrictive measures against the Syrian regime and its supporters, as the repression of the civilian population continues.

• Syria: Sanctions against the regime extended by one year (press release, 28 May 2020)

The Council has added eight prominent businessmen and two entities linked to those businessmen to the list of persons and entities subject to the sanctions against the Syrian regime and its supporters. Their activities directly benefited the Assad regime, including through projects located on lands expropriated from persons displaced by the conflict.

• Syria: EU adds eight businessmen and two entities to sanctions list (press release, 17 February 2020)

The Council urged Turkey again to cease its unilateral military action in North East Syria and to withdraw its forces.

• North East Syria: Council adopts conclusions (press release, 14/10/2019)

The Council extended EU restrictive measures against the Syrian regime until 1 June 2020. In line with the EU strategy on Syria, the EU decided to maintain its restrictive measures against the Syrian regime and its supporters as the repression of civilian population continues.

The Council removed from the sanctions list:

• 5 deceased persons
• one entity which ceased to exist
• one entity for which there were no longer grounds to keep it under restrictive measures

The list now includes 270 persons and 70 entities targeted by a travel ban and an asset freeze..

• Syria: EU renews sanctions against the regime by one year (press release, 17/05/2019)

The Council added seven ministers of the government of Syria to the sanctions list following recent governmental changes in Syria.

• Syria: EU adds 7 ministers to sanctions list (press release, 04/03/2019)

The Council added 11 prominent businessmen and 5 entities to the sanctions list. These businessmen and companies are involved in luxury estate development and other regime-backed projects, and as such support and/or benefit from the Syrian regime.

The sanctions list now includes 270 persons and 72 entities targeted by a travel ban and an asset freeze. 

• Syria: EU adds eleven businessmen and five entities to sanctions list (press release, 21/01/2019)

The Council extended EU restrictive measures against the Syrian regime until 1 June 2019. Given the ongoing repression of the civilian population, the EU decided to maintain its restrictive measures against the Syrian regime and its supporters, in line with the EU strategy on Syria.

• Syria: EU extends sanctions against the regime by one year (press release, 28/05/2018)

G7 leaders adopted a declaration condemning the use of chemical weapons during the attack in Eastern Ghouta of 7 April 2018.

"We fully support all efforts made by the United States, the United Kingdom and France to degrade the Assad regime’s ability to use chemical weapons and to deter any future use, demonstrated by their action taken on April 13. This response was limited, proportionate and necessary – and taken only after exhausting every possible diplomatic option to uphold the international norm against the use of chemical weapons."

• G7 Leaders' statement on Syria, 17 April 2018

"The Syrian regime bears the overwhelming responsibility for the catastrophic humanitarian situation and the suffering of the Syrian people. We strongly condemn the continued and repeated use of chemical weapons by the regime in Syria.

The EU condemns in the strongest terms all attacks, both deliberate and indiscriminate, against civilian populations, and civilian infrastructure, hospitals and schools. The continued deliberate denial and obstruction of humanitarian access to those in need is in blatant violation of international humanitarian principles and must stop".

• Syria: Council adopts conclusions (press release, 16 April 2018)

The EU adopted a declaration reiterating its strongest condemnation of the repeated use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime, including the devastating chemical attack on Douma. The EU is supportive of all efforts aimed at the prevention of the use of chemical weapons. It finds it deeply shocking that the international community is still confronted with the use of chemical weapons.

• EU declaration on the targeted airstrikes in Syria, 14 April 2018

The Council added 4 people (a high-ranking military official and 3 scientists) to the sanctions list for their involvement in chemical weapons proliferation and delivery. 

• Use of chemical weapons in Syria: EU adds 4 persons to sanctions list (press release, 19/03/2018)

The EU adopted a declaration on Syria calling for the immediate and full implementation of UNSC Resolution 2401 demanding a ceasefire without delay. The declaration stresses the need to find a sustainable political solution to bring an end to the Syrian conflict. In addition, the EU condemns the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime and Da'esh. The EU also reaffirms its support the resilience of the Syrian population.

• Syria: Declaration by the High Representative Federica Mogherini on behalf of the EU (press release, 15/03/2018)

The Council added the Minister of Industry and the Minister of Information of the government of Syria to the sanctions list. These additions were made to take into account recent ministerial changes, as both ministers were appointed in January 2018.

• Syria: EU adds two new ministers to sanctions list (press release, 26/02/2018)

The Council added 16 people to the sanctions list for their involvement in chemical weapons proliferation and delivery. These people include 8 high-ranking military officials and 8 scientists.

• Use of chemical weapons in Syria: EU imposes sanctions against 16 additional persons (press release, 17/07/2017)

The Council extended EU restrictive measures against the Syrian regime until 1 June 2018. At the same time, the Council added 3 ministers of the Syrian government to the list of those under restrictive measures, and updated the information related to certain persons and entities on the list.

• Syria: EU extends sanctions against the regime by one year, press release (29/05/2017)

The EU and international donors pledged €5.6 billion in aid for 2017 to meet the massive needs of Syrians.

The donors also pledged €3.47 billion in aid for 2018-2020. The pledges were made at an international conference held in Brussels.

• Supporting the future of Syria and the region - Conference website

The Council adopted the EU strategy on Syria. This strategy is part of the EU regional strategy for Syria and Iraq as well as the Da'esh threat.

The EU's strategic objectives in Syria focus on six key areas:

• ending the war through a genuine political transition
• promoting a meaningful and inclusive transition in Syria
• saving lives by addressing the humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable Syrians
• promoting democracy, human rights and freedom of speech
• promoting accountability for war crimes
• supporting the resilience of the Syrian population and Syrian society

• Council adopts EU strategy on Syria (press release, 03/04/2017)

The Council added four high-ranking military officials to the list of those targeted by restrictive measures. They were added for their role in the use of chemical weapons against the civilian population.

• Use of chemical weapons in Syria: EU imposes sanctions against 4 high-ranking military officials (press release, 20/03/2017)

EU leaders strongly condemned the attacks by the Syrian regime and its allies, notably Russia, on civilians in Aleppo.

They called for:

• urgent and unhindered humanitarian access to Aleppo and other parts of the country
• an immediate cessation of hostilities and resumption of a political process under the auspices of the UN 

The Council adopted conclusions on Syria in response to a serious deterioration of the situation on the ground, particularly in the city of Aleppo.

It strongly condemned the disproportionate and deliberate targeting of civilians and humanitarian and healthcare personnel by the regime and its allies, notably Russia. It reiterated its firm belief that there can be no military solution to the conflict, but that a political solution must be sought.

The EU urgently called for:

• an end to all military flights over Aleppo city by the regime and its allies
• an immediate cessation of hostilities to be monitored by a strong and transparent mechanism 
• sieges to be lifted 
• full, unhindered, sustainable and country-wide humanitarian access to be granted by all parties

• Council conclusions on Syria, 17 October 2016

The EU and its member states pledged more than €3 billion to assist the Syrian people. The pledges were made at the 'Supporting Syria and the region' conference, held in London. In total, the conference raised over $12 billion in pledges.

• Supporting Syria conference in London, 4 February 2016

The Council conclusions on Syria recalled that only a Syrian-led political process leading to a peaceful and inclusive transition would bring back stability to Syria.

To this end, the Council reiterated its full support for UN-led efforts and the work of the UN special envoy to build this political track.

• Council conclusions on Syria, 12 October 2015