EU sanctions in place regarding Syria target the Assad regime and its supporters, as well as sectors of the economy from which the regime was making profit. The sanctions regime does not prohibit the export of food, medicines or medical equipment by the EU to Syria, and does not target Syria’s healthcare system. The sanctions regime includes a wide-ranging humanitarian exception to ensure the continued provision of humanitarian assistance to any part of the country.

The Council if Europe remains deeply concerned about the situation in Syria, where the conflict is far from over and remains a source of suffering and instability. The tragic earthquake of 6 February 2023 further increases the suffering of the Syrian population.

The EU and its member states are leading donors of humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict in Syria. Since 2011, the total amount of humanitarian funding from the European Union and its member states for the Syria crisis (Syria plus neighbouring countries) is €27.4 billion. Since the devastating earthquakes, the EU and its member states have already provided €5.5 million to address the most urgent needs, in additional humanitarian aid to all affected areas.

In view of the gravity of the humanitarian crisis in Syria exacerbated by the earthquake, the Council decided today to adopt an additional humanitarian amendment to further facilitate the speedy delivery of humanitarian assistance.

The amendment applies for a period of six months.