European sanctions policy under pressure

The EU foreign ministers are extending sanctions against Russia. Easing the punitive measures against Syria is proving difficult.

Feb 1, 2025 - 07:00

European sanctions policy under pressure

After the fall of Assad, Syria can expect a gradual reduction in EU sanctions. Russia, on the other hand, must prepare for further punitive measures. This was signaled by the EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday.

Previously, Hungary's unpredictable head of government Viktor Orbán had withdrawn his long-threatened veto against an extension of the Russia sanctions.

European sanctions policy has been under pressure for several weeks. Shortly after the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, calls were made for a relaxation of the sanctions , which also affect civilian areas such as the supply of electricity and medical supplies. The Western sanctions against Russia have also been discussed again since the change of power in the USA.

US President Donald Trump initially suggested loosening the agreement in order to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table. Instead of agreeing to the extension, Orbán wanted to coordinate with Trump. However, this stance left him isolated in Brussels, and his "buddy" Trump also let him down.

Orbán therefore made a new demand: Ukraine must reverse the ban on Russian gas transit to Hungary, which came into force on January 1. However, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy categorically rejects the resumption of Russian gas supplies, as do the majority of EU states. That is why Orbán ultimately gave in.

The EU has now extended its sanctions for another six months. "This means that Moscow will continue to be deprived of revenues to finance its war," said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Orbán was dismissed with a non-binding statement.

According to the report, the EU Commission wants to lobby Ukraine for a secure energy supply for Hungary. The easing of the Syria sanctions is also proving difficult. Kallas proposed a timetable to the EU foreign ministers for the gradual dismantling of the sanctions. If the new Islamist leadership in Damascus moves in the right direction, the EU will also take steps, said Kallas.

The EU is also ready to reopen its embassy in Damascus. However, it remains unclear what this means in practice. Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that sanctions in the energy and economic sectors could initially be suspended. However, this is "not a blank check". The EU is not a financier "for new Islamist structures".