Turkey has officially called upon the European Union to unconditionally lift sanctions imposed on Syria, marking a significant moment as the EU prepares for the 9th International Conference on Syria. This call, made on March 16, 2025, is viewed as necessary for facilitating what Turkey describes as a "peaceful transition" amid the complex political climate following the recent upheaval against former President Bashar al-Assad.
The conference, which is scheduled to take place on March 17, 2025, aims to rally international support for Syria's recovery and transition efforts. This year, for the first time, representatives from Syria's interim government, which came to power following the ousting of Assad, will participate. The EU hopes this will provide new momentum for addressing the dire humanitarian issues facing the war-torn nation.
According to Turkey’s foreign ministry, "Syria's economic security is fundamental for the stability and security of the country." Therefore, they assert, lifting these sanctions becomes imperative. "The sanctions must be lifted unconditionally and for an indeterminate period," stated the ministry, emphasizing the need for economic opportunities and jobs to promote stability.
The EU’s easing of certain sanctions on Syria's energy, transport, and banking sectors, announced just weeks prior on February 24, is considered a preliminary step to assist the country during its challenging transition. Turkey’s position on reconstruction is especially poignant, as it currently hosts nearly three million Syrian refugees, advocating for their safe return home as reconstruction efforts gain traction.
Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz will represent Turkey at the Brussels conference. His speech is expected to cover several key issues, including the necessity of international support for Syria's transition and the creation of economic opportunities for returning refugees. Yilmaz is set to also stress the importance of lifting economic sanctions, arguing these measures hinder recovery efforts.
This conference serves not just as a platform for financial commitments but as a pivotal moment for resetting relations with the new Syrian authorities. High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas highlighted the pressing humanitarian crisis Syria faces, exacerbated by recent violence, and the potential for hope stemming from new agreements within the region. "This is a time of dire needs and challenges for Syria, as tragically evidenced by the recent wave of violence," Kallas commented, referencing the unstable situation as the new interim forces consolidate their power.
Despite recognition of these challenges, Kallas pointed to the historic opportunity inherent at this year’s conference. Following the agreement reached on March 10, 2025, between Syrian Interim authorities and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces to integrate their operations, officials see this as a step forward. Kallas emphasized the EU's longstanding commitment to support the Syrian people, both during crises and as they look toward recovery.
The urgency of the EU's role cannot be understated. Since the beginning of the Syrian civil war, which has stretched for more than 13 years, the EU has emerged as the largest donor, mobilizing over €35 billion (approximately $38.2 billion) for humanitarian assistance and development efforts. This year's conference is seen as instrumental for not only raising funds but also for ensuring the international community remains engaged with Syria's recovery process.
Hadja Lahbib, the Commissioner for Equality, reiterated the necessity of focusing efforts on recovery and transitional stability. "The EU stands with the Syrian people on their path to recovery, peace, and a secure future," Lahbib asserted, highlighting the importance of collaborative engagement among nations committed to reform and aid.
The road toward recovery for Syria is fraught with challenges. Current estimates suggest about 16.5 million people within Syria require some form of humanitarian assistance, with 12.9 million needing food aid. The catastrophic effects of over a decade of conflict have left the economy ravaged, with many citizens experiencing extreme poverty and dire living conditions.
Participants at this year’s conference will include senior officials from various countries and international organizations, all united by the shared goal of supporting Syria through this pivotal transition. The event is anticipated to yield significant pledges, going beyond mere financial support to embrace improvements across various sectors for holistic recovery.
The upcoming Brussels conference, underpinned by Turkey's pressing call for the unconditional lifting of sanctions, embodies not just aid mobilization but the broader aspiration for stability and peace within Syria—a chance for all Syrians to rebuild their homeland.