European foreign ministers are set to convene in Brussels on January 27 to deliberate on lifting sanctions against Syria, European foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced on Sunday. Speaking in Riyadh ahead of a conference involving Middle Eastern and Western diplomats, as well as Syria's new foreign minister, Kallas noted that any easing of sanctions would be conditional on the new administration's governance approach.

"The principle of including different groups, women, and ensuring no radicalization is critical," Kallas stated. She added, "If we see the developments going to the right direction, we are ready to do the next steps... If we see that it's not going to the right direction, then we can also move back on this."

There are both hope and challenges in Syria.

Today in Riyadh, I will exchange with the Foreign Ministers from the Gulf States, the Middle East and Europe on the transition since the fall of the Assad regime.

It is important that Syria’s Hassan al-Shibani is here too. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/Am3Fq76Nua

— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) January 12, 2025

The discussions come after the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad on December 8 in a rapid offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The Islamist group, formerly linked to al-Qaeda, has since established an interim government in Damascus, prompting calls from Syria's new leadership to lift international sanctions and facilitate funding for reconstruction efforts.

Germany on the lead

Germany has taken the lead in the EU's discussions. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock affirmed the importance of maintaining sanctions on those responsible for alleged war crimes while providing relief to the Syrian population.

"Sanctions against Assad's henchmen who committed serious crimes during the civil war must remain in place," she said in Riyadh. Baerbock also announced €50 million in aid for food, emergency shelters, and medical care.

Meanwhile, the US recently eased restrictions, granting a six-month exemption for certain transactions with Syrian governing institutions to enable humanitarian assistance and limited energy deals. The US also removed a $10 million bounty on Ahmad al-Sharaa, the HTS leader who led the campaign against Assad. Al-Sharaa, once associated with al-Qaeda, has distanced himself from the group and promised a government inclusive of religious minorities.

Read more: Russia must exit Syria for EU to lift sanctions on HTS: Dutch FM

The Riyadh conference, hosted by Saudi Arabia, marks the first high-level gathering of Western and Middle Eastern diplomats since Assad's removal. Discussions are focused on supporting Syria's interim authorities while addressing accountability for alleged war crimes committed during Assad's tenure. A statement from the UK Foreign Office highlighted the importance of ensuring mechanisms to hold the Assad regime accountable.

Syria's new leadership hopes the international community will mobilize funds to rebuild its devastated infrastructure and revitalize its economy. However, the process remains fraught with challenges amid the controversial appointment of jihadists in key leadership positions.