Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in southern Lebanon: Israeli artillery shelling targets the outskirts of the town of Shebaa
Al-Qassam Brigades: The targeting took place at the intersection of 'Street 5' with the western line north of Khan Younis
Al-Qassam Brigades: A NIMR armored personnel carrier carrying an Israeli soldier was targeted with an Al-Yassin missile north of Khan Younis
Israeli media: At least two soldiers killed by anti-tank missile fired at Israeli army forces in the Gaza Strip
Local Syrian sources: Mortar shells fell on more than nine villages in the Sweida countryside
Local Syrian sources: Dozens of dead and wounded have arrived at Sweida hospitals as a result of ongoing clashes at several locations in the western Sweida countryside
Local sources: Civilians, including children and women, were injured in the al-Maqous neighborhood of Sweida, in Syria, as a result of ongoing clashes
Israeli media outlet: Security incident reported in the Gaza Strip
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson: No new date or venue has been set for the meeting between Araghchi and Witkoff, and no negotiations will take place until the outcome is guaranteed
Palestinian platforms: Settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque complex under the protection of the occupation police

HRW urges EU to revise sanctions for better aid access in Syria

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: News websites + Agencies
  • 18 Dec 2024 14:28
3 Min Read

Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa Division at Human Rights Watch discussed the EU's potential approach to Syria's new regime.

Listen
  • x
  • HRW urges EU to revise sanctions for better aid access in Syria
    A United Nations convoy visits northwestern Syria ahead of the annual fundraising conference organized by the European Union for the country, as they cross the Bab al-Hawa border crossing with Turkey, in Syria's Idlib province, Tuesday, May 14, 2024 (AP Photo/Omar Albam)

Human Rights Watch has called on the EU to reassess its sanctions on Syria, stating that they obstruct humanitarian aid and exacerbate the economic challenges faced by Syrians.

Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa Division at Human Rights Watch discussed the EU's potential approach to Syria's new regime in an episode of Radio Schuman.

In a related context, the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, emphasized the significance of Syria's reconstruction for the EU, hinting at the bloc’s potential involvement in rebuilding efforts in a post-Assad Syria.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, she stressed the need for dialogue with all parties in Syria to advance reconstruction efforts.

Von der Leyen announced plans to send the head of the EU Delegation back to Damascus, effectively reopening the EU’s embassy there. She added, “We have to step up and continue our direct engagement with HTS and other factions,” referencing Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the new regime forces leading the recent offensive that captured Damascus on December 8.

Related News

Syrian forces launch security operation in Sweida, bombing villages

Russia in talks over military bases in Syria with new government

Rebuilding Syria is  a priority 

The European Commission President called for a renewed focus on rebuilding the country after 13 years of civil war. “We will enhance our engagement in early recovery, including basic services, like electricity and water, and infrastructure,” she stated.

Von der Leyen noted that humanitarian aid for 2024 has already surpassed €160 million ($168 million), alongside the launch of a humanitarian air bridge expected to deliver its first shipments this week.

She also mentioned that lifting sanctions on Syria is under consideration. “Since 2011, our annual Syria conferences have mobilized over €33 billion. We must continue this support with a new focus on reconstruction. This would be a step-by-step approach, and we would need to start a discussion on sanctions relief,” she explained.

She acknowledged Turkiye’s security concerns in Syria and its military presence, opposing efforts by the PKK/YPG to establish a "terrorist belt" near its border. Additionally, she commended Turkiye’s role in hosting over four million Syrian refugees and announced an additional €1 billion in EU funding for Türkiye’s refugee support efforts in 2024.

“Since 2011, the EU has provided nearly €10 billion to support refugees and the hosting efforts of local communities. I am very pleased to announce today that an additional €1 billion for 2024 is on its way,” von der Leyen said.

Read more: UN envoy says Syria conflict not over; SC urges 'inclusive' process

  • Syria
  • Ursula von der Leyen
  • Sanctions on Syria
  • European Union

Most Read

Hezbollah SG reveals war details on Al Mayadeen for the first time

Hezbollah SG reveals war details on Al Mayadeen for the first time

  • Politics
  • 8 Jul 2025
Major ambush in Gaza kills 6 Israeli troops, injures dozens

Major ambush in Gaza kills 5 Israeli troops, injures 14

  • Politics
  • 8 Jul 2025
Israeli soldiers are seen in Beit Hanoun ahead of an operation by the al-Qassam Brigades, undated (Al-Qassam Brigades Military Media)

'Israel' on blast as media exposes report discrepancies in Gaza ambush

  • Palestine
  • 8 Jul 2025
Yemen Navy sinks ETERNITY C ship, shares footage of operation

Yemen Navy sinks ETERNITY C ship, shares footage of operation

  • Politics
  • 9 Jul 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
The Freedom Flotilla ship Handala as it departs for Gaza, where it aims to break the maritime blockade at a port in Syracuse, Sicily in southern Italy on July 13, 2025. (AFP)
Palestine

Freedom Flotilla's Handala departs Sicily in bid to break Gaza siege

The container ship CMA CGM Laperouse, left, docks at the Georgia Ports Authority's Port of Savannah, Sept. 29, 2021, in Savannah, Ga (AP)
Politics

US shipbuilding woes deepen as tariffs, outdated policies backfire

Gaza war raises ethical questions for ex-Obama, Biden officials
Politics

Mercenary firm tied to Gaza war crimes hires Obama-Biden PR operatives

'Israel' targets children in Gaza collecting water
Palestine

'Israel' strikes Gaza kids fetching water, blames it on 'malfunction'

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS