The European Union is considering the reduction of sanctions imposed on Syria over the past thirteen years. In the wake of Bashar al-Assad's departure, Western nations have begun diplomatic engagements with the new government, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), signaling a potential new chapter for the nation. Kaja Kallas, the EU's High Representative, confirmed discussions to ease sanctions following a meeting in Riyadh focused on Syria's future, which included foreign ministers and high-level officials from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, as well as representatives from the United Nations and the Arab League. The EU's approach aims to encourage the new Syrian leadership to fulfill the hopes created by a peaceful and inclusive transition that safeguards the rights of all minorities. Kallas highlighted the importance of these developments on social media, indicating that discussions would continue with EU foreign ministers regarding the potential for easing sanctions. Member states, including Germany, Italy, and France, have expressed support for a gradual withdrawal of sanctions. Annalena Baerbock, Germany's Foreign Minister, emphasized the need for a strategic approach to sanctions, which would enable the Syrian populace to experience immediate relief and benefits from the transition in power. Baerbock, along with her French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, visited Damascus earlier this month on behalf of the EU to engage with the new authorities, with Spain's Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, scheduled to follow suit. Since the regime's crackdown on protests in 2011, the EU, along with allies such as the United States, has implemented sanctions against Syria. To date, the EU has targeted 318 individuals and 86 entities with measures including asset freezes and travel bans. Currently, EU officials have not made any statements regarding the possibility of lifting sanctions on HTS members, noting that these sanctions fall under the United Nations' framework. The sanctions encompass a range of prohibitions, including the import of crude oil and petroleum products from Syria, investments in the Syrian oil sector, and restrictions on the export of equipment and technology that could be utilized for internal repression. Additionally, the sanctions prevent Syrian financial institutions from establishing new branches within the EU. The gradual lifting of these sanctions aims to address the economic and social challenges faced by Syria, providing an opportunity for the new government to stabilize and develop the nation. This proposal is set to be formally discussed during the upcoming meeting of EU foreign ministers scheduled for January 27. As the situation unfolds, countries in the Middle East, the EU, and the United States are actively strategizing to ensure they remain engaged in Syria's evolving political landscape, seeking to avoid exclusion from this new phase.