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Syria - lifting of economic sanctions

Swiss Government

Press release
Published on 20 June 2025

Bern, 20.06.2025 -- On 20 June, the Federal Council decided to lift economic sanctions against Syria. Switzerland is thereby aligning itself with the EU's decision of 27 May. The decision will take effect at 6pm on the same day.

The Federal Council has decided to lift restrictions on the provision of certain financial services, trade in precious metals and the export of luxury goods, following an initial easing of sanctions on 7 March. In addition, 24 entities key to Syria's economic recovery, including the Central Bank of Syria, have been removed from the list of entities subject to the freezing of funds and economic resources. The Federal Council is thereby endorsing the decision taken by the EU on 27 May. The aim of this decision is to promote the country's economic recovery and an inclusive and peaceful political transition.

The targeted sanctions against individuals and entities linked to the former government of Bashar al-Assad remain in force, as do the export restrictions on military equipment and goods used for repression and surveillance.

The Federal Council adopted its first sanctions against Syria on 18 May 2011, aligning itself with the measures adopted by the EU against Syria on 9 May 2011. It subsequently amended the relevant ordinance several times to bring it in line with EU decisions. The sanctions against Syria were imposed in response to the violent repression of the civilian population by the Syrian army and security forces and were aimed at the government of Bashar al-Assad, which was overthrown on 8 December 2024. The Federal Council is continuing to monitor developments in Syria closely.