EU sanctions include bans on oil imports from Syria, as well as a ban on investment in the Syrian oil industry and a freeze on any Syrian central bank assets in the EU. The proposed roadmap indicates some existing sanctions, including those related to arms and entities linked to the Assad regime, would not be suspended.

The European Union is contemplating a phased suspension of certain economic sanctions on Syria to facilitate the country's transition while maintaining leverage. This initiative follows the disruption of Bashar al-Assad's regime.

EU crisis management chief Hadja Lahbib announced a 235 million euro aid package for Syria and neighbouring countries on Friday during the first visit by a senior EU official since Bashar al-Assad's ouster.

The sanctions currently in place are primarily against the former government of Bashar al-Assad and his allies.

European foreign ministers will gather to discuss easing sanctions on Syria following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad by insurgents. The EU's decision will depend on the new government's inclusivity and stance on radicalization.

EU crisis management chief Hadja Lahbib on Friday became the first European Union official to visit Syria since Islamist-led forces toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad last month.

European Union sanctions in Syria that obstruct the delivery of humanitarian aid and hinder the country's recovery could be lifted swiftly, France's foreign minister said Wednesday.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Friday that he had called for a moratorium on EU sanctions on Syria for six months or one year, but that a final decision could only come from the entire bloc.

RIYADH (Reuters) -European foreign ministers will meet at the end of January to discuss the lifting of sanctions on Syria, the EU foreign policy chief said on Sunday in Riyadh ahead of a meeting of top Middle Eastern and Western diplomats and Syria's new foreign minister.

EU crisis management chief Hadja Lahbib announced a 235 million euro aid package for Syria and neighbouring countries on Friday during a visit to Damascus.

Top diplomat Asaad al-Shaibani tells FT that Damascus wants to end Assad-era isolation and secure sanctions relief

European countries have been grappling with how to handle new regime following downfall of Bashar al-Assad, with a timeline for lifting sanctions moving onto the agenda. View on euronews