Syria: EU extends humanitarian exemption for another six months

On 23 February 2023, the Council introduced an additional humanitarian exemption into the sanctions regime in view of the situation in Syria to facilitate the speedy delivery of humanitarian assistance, following the devastating earthquake that hit Türkiye and Syria.

To continue responding in a timely manner to the urgency of the humanitarian crisis in Syria, and to keep facilitating the rapid delivery of aid, the Council has decided to extend the duration of this humanitarian exemption for a further six months until 24 February 2024.

The exemption from the asset freeze and from the related prohibition on making funds and economic resources available to listed individuals and entities aims to further facilitate the operations of international organisations and certain defined categories of actors involved in humanitarian activities in Syria.

The EU sanctions in place, regarding Syria since 2011 target the repressive Assad regime and its supporters, as well as sectors of the economy from which the regime profits. The sanctions do not stand in the way of the export of food, medicines, or medical equipment to Syria.

The Council remains deeply concerned about the situation in Syria, where the conflict is far from over and remains a source of suffering for the civilian population, and instability for the country and the region.

The European Union and its member states are leading donors of humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict in Syria and have mobilised more than €30 billion in humanitarian, development, economic and stabilisation aid since the beginning of the crisis in 2011. This amount includes more than €3.7 billion in humanitarian aid to Syrians and vulnerable host communities in Syria and the region.

At the Seventh Conference on "Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region" (Brussels VII) hosted and chaired by the EU on 14 and 15 June 2023, the international community pledged €5.6 billion for 2023 and beyond, including €4.6 billion for 2023 and €1 billion for 2024 and beyond. The funding pledged will support people inside Syria and the neighbouring countries hosting Syrian refugees. €3.8 billion of grants were pledged by the EU amounting to 70% of the total grants. In addition, international financial institutions and donors announced €4 billion in loans (in concessional terms), bringing the total of grants and loans to €9.6 billion.