Austria Proposes Lifting EU Sanctions on Syria

Austria has suggested a phased removal of European Union sanctions on Syria if the country demonstrates progress in the "right direction," according to Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.

In an interview with Austria's Die Presse newspaper, Schallenberg called for a more pragmatic approach to engage with Syria.

He emphasized the importance of establishing dialogue channels and offering incentives such as reconstruction support and humanitarian aid.

Schallenberg proposed a step-by-step lifting of sanctions, saying, "We must present practical options for easing restrictions if Syria takes meaningful steps forward. Europe should maintain expectations but avoid setting preconditions that hinder progress."

The remarks align with recent statements from EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who indicated the bloc's willingness to resume full diplomatic operations in Damascus.

Kallas noted that the EU is crafting a new approach to the Syrian conflict, which includes re-engagement with the Syrian government and reevaluating existing sanctions while maintaining leverage over the Assad regime.