Syria receives first shipment of wheat after EU sanctions lifted

A ship carrying 28,500 tonnes of wheat has arrived at the Syrian port of Tartus, one of the first major trade shipments since the European Union and the United States lifted economic sanctions on the country, which is recovering from nearly 14 years of civil war and economic devastation. The move comes after the EU Council formally adopted legislation on Wednesday to end restrictive measures against Syria.

The decision to lift sanctions was agreed by EU foreign ministers last week and follows a similar decision by the US announced earlier this month. The origin of the cargo was not specified, but the shipment is of immense importance to the Syrian people and government, Al Jazeera’s Mahmoud Abdel Waheed, based in Damascus, said. “It shows the possibility of the country’s reintegration into the international community, the resumption of trade and Syria’s return to the international financial system,” he said.

The lifting of sanctions that previously restricted Syria’s access to global trade and banking systems will help accelerate the reconstruction of the country’s infrastructure and economy. Syrian banks, including the Central Bank of Syria, have regained access to European financial markets. At the same time, the European Council extended the asset freeze and travel ban on individuals and entities associated with the former government of Bashar al-Assad until 1 June 2026, and imposed new measures against two individuals and three entities for serious human rights violations.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaia Kallas welcomed the decision, reaffirming Europe’s commitment to helping Syrians rebuild “a new, inclusive and peaceful Syria”. “This decision is the right step at this historic moment for the EU to wholeheartedly support Syria’s reconstruction and a political transition that meets the aspirations of all Syrians,” Kallas said.

Tags: wheat, Syria