Switzerland has decided to remove many of the economic sanctions it had placed on Syria for over a decade. This decision was officially announced by the Swiss Federal Council, the group that runs the Swiss government, on Friday.
Sanctions are strict rules or bans that stop countries or companies from doing business with another country. These are usually used to put pressure on governments or leaders who are seen as acting unfairly or causing harm. In Syria’s case, many countries, including Switzerland, placed sanctions during years of war and unrest.
Now, after the fall of the former Syrian president in December 2024, things are beginning to change. Switzerland is keeping some restrictions in place on people and businesses that were tied to the old leadership. But many of the other economic bans are being removed to help Syria recover and move forward.
Here’s What Switzerland Just Allowed
Switzerland has said it will stop several restrictions that made it very hard for Syria to trade or grow its economy. For example:
- Restrictions on financial services are being lifted. This means banks and businesses can now move money or offer services that were previously blocked.
- Trading of precious metals like gold and silver is now allowed again.
- Exporting luxury goods — things like expensive watches, jewelry, or cars — will no longer be banned.
One of the biggest changes is that 24 companies and organizations are being taken off Switzerland’s sanctions list. Among them is the central bank of Syria, which is very important for the country’s economy. The central bank helps control Syria’s money and plays a key role in rebuilding its financial system.
This change is part of Switzerland’s larger goal of supporting Syria’s economic recovery and helping it move toward peace and stability. According to the Swiss government, the idea is to support a peaceful and inclusive political process in Syria without helping any group that was involved in past problems.
Global Shift in Sanctions Policy
Switzerland is not the only country making this change. In fact, this announcement comes just weeks after both the European Union and the United States also lifted some of their economic restrictions on Syria.
In May, the U.S. Treasury Department made a move to relax its sanctions. Right after that, the European Union decided to do the same at the end of the month. Now, Switzerland is following that path, showing a clear trend among major international players.
However, not all sanctions are gone. Some targeted sanctions will remain, especially those that are aimed at individuals and companies closely tied to the former Syrian leadership. These are people or groups that were believed to have played a harmful role in the past. Keeping these sanctions is a way to make sure they are not supported or rewarded.
This announcement marks an important step in how countries are now choosing to deal with Syria. The decision by Switzerland was shared through an official statement from the government. In it, the Swiss Federal Council said that the aim is to help Syria rebuild while still encouraging a peaceful and fair political shift.