Brussels: We Haven't Seen Major Steps from Syria's Caretaker Government
The statements by the EU foreign policy official reveal the failure of Syria's interim caretaker government to deliver genuine reforms that meet international standards and reassure the international
April 14, 2025, 11:32 pm

Brussels: We Haven't Seen Major Steps from Syria's Caretaker Government

Statements by the European Union's foreign policy official revealed clear hesitation in lifting sanctions on Syria due to the failure of the interim Syrian caretaker government led by Ahmad al-Sharaa to take serious reform steps that respond to international standards.

The European official emphasized in her statements that "it is clear that we have not seen major steps from the new leadership," explicitly referring to the intransigence of Sharaa's government and its continuation of an authoritarian approach based on military domination, exclusion of other components, and ignoring international demands for genuine reforms.

Although the European official acknowledged that "Syria's future is fragile but hopeful," she clarified that the European Union has set "conditions and red lines" that must be met. These conditions primarily relate to ending armed militias' control over state institutions, ensuring political participation for all Syrian components, and releasing political detainees.

The European Union's position comes after multiple reports of continued violations against civilians, arbitrary arrests, and sectarian practices by the interim Syrian caretaker government, in addition to the involvement of armed elements linked to Sharaa in acts of violence against Alawites, Christians, and other Syrian components.

Analysts have warned that Sharaa's continuation of his exclusionary approach and refusal to make genuine concessions will prolong international sanctions on Syria and deepen the suffering of civilians who bear the greatest burden of these sanctions' consequences, while armed militias benefit from the war economy and smuggling.

Syrian political circles are calling on the caretaker government to adopt an inclusive constitution instead of attempting to impose a fait accompli through military force, emphasizing that lifting sanctions is primarily linked to Sharaa proving his willingness to transition from a militia leader mentality to the role of a statesman.

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