The European Union is prepared to lift sanctions on Syria but reserves the right to reinstate them if the new leadership in Damascus fails to meet its commitments.  

Acting Austrian Chancellor and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg made this statement, as quoted by the British newspaper Financial Times.  

"Syria is at a crossroads. We are not naive: if the new leadership in Damascus does not fulfill its obligations, the measures will be reinstated," Schallenberg said.  

The Financial Times also reported that Schallenberg, alongside Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, sent a letter to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. In the letter, they expressed their position on sanctions against Syria, strongly advocating for a comprehensive easing of the EU sanctions regime. According to them, this decision would facilitate humanitarian aid access and encourage foreign investment.  

Today, EU foreign ministers are set to meet in Brussels to discuss lifting sanctions on Syria. The Financial Times noted that the roadmap prepared by European diplomats outlines a six-step process to remove sanctions aimed at fostering a peaceful transition and reconstruction in Syria.  

The EU does not plan to lift all sanctions on the Arab Republic. A political agreement on the plan could be reached as early as January 27, with specific legal procedures formally approved by June, the publication stated.