EU diplomat Kaja Kallas hopes to gradually suspend sanctions on Syria

European Union EU foreign ministers may soon agree on a gradual suspension of the bloc’s economic sanctions on Syria, according to top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas.

Speaking ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers on Monday, Kallas expressed hope that ministers would endorse a “roadmap” for a phased approach to easing sanctions on the war-torn country.

While the European Union considers this potential shift, diplomats emphasized that the sanctions would only be suspended, not lifted entirely, as a precautionary measure until further developments in Syria become clearer.

Kallas highlighted that any move toward suspending sanctions would be conditional on Syria’s new leadership beginning to rebuild the country.

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“If the steps are going in the right direction, we are also willing to make steps on our behalf,” she said.

In addition, Kallas revealed that the European Union is contemplating the full reopening of its embassy in Damascus to enhance its presence and monitoring on the ground as the situation unfolds.