Easing of sanctions against Syria on behalf of the civilian population
Swiss Government
Bern, 07.03.2025 -- On 7 March, the Federal Council lifted certain sanctions against Syria. In doing so, it is following the decision of the EU, which has suspended various sanctions in view of the change of government in Syria. The decision comes into effect at 6pm on 7 March.
The Federal Council has lifted measures against Syria's energy and transport sectors. Certain financial services and banking relationships will also be permitted. In applying these changes, the Federal Council is aligning itself with the decision of the EU of 24 February to ease certain sanctions. The lifting of these measures, following the removal from power of former President Bashar al-Assad, is intended to facilitate a peaceful and orderly political transition process. Other provisions of the Ordinance on measures against Syria, including further sanctions on financial services and goods, are not affected by this decision. Furthermore, the easing of measures will not result in the release of any frozen funds or economic resources.
The Federal Council first decided to impose sanctions against Syria on 18 May 2011, thereby aligning Switzerland with the measures imposed by the EU against Syria on 9 May 2011. The Swiss sanctions against Syria were subsequently amended several times by the Federal Council in line with EU decisions. The sanctions against Syria were imposed due to the violent repression of the civilian population by the Syrian armed forces and security apparatus and were directed against the al-Assad government, which was ousted from power on 8 December 2024. The Federal Council is closely monitoring developments in Syria and reserves the right to make further changes to the sanctions regime. This also includes the possibility of reintroducing measures that have now been lifted.
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