European Union Extends Sanctions on Russia and Eases Sanctions on Syria

The foreign ministers of the European Union agreed to continue sanctions against Russia due to the war in Ukraine, but to reduce some sanctions against Syria following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. After several weeks of hesitation from Hungary regarding sanctions against Russia on Monday, February 8, the EU was allowed to extend sanctions on Russia for another six months. In return, Viktor Orban, the Prime Minister of Hungary, known to be close to Moscow, is pushing for the reopening of a gas pipeline from Ukraine to Central Europe. Kyiv had allowed the gas transit contract to expire. The EU also considered assistance to meet Moldova's energy needs, as Europe believes this country is vulnerable to Russian threats. Regarding Syria, the EU took a different path and agreed to increase humanitarian aid and reduce some sanctions now that the country is under new leadership. Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, stated, "This action could revive the Syrian economy and help the country stand on its own feet again." The Syrian Foreign Minister, Faisal Mekdad, called the EU's action a "positive step." The foreign ministers of EU member states also discussed several other complex issues, including the ceasefire in Gaza, the activities of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and conflicts in Eastern Congo. Another main topic of discussion was relations with the new Trump administration. Borrell said, "As the United States shifts towards a more deal-oriented approach, Europe must maintain its cohesion. When we are united, we are stronger. This was a view that everyone agreed upon." He described Washington as Europe's closest ally but noted that tensions have arisen over trade, military budgets, and Greenland. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, has shown a willingness to annex this region to the U.S. The EU's foreign policy chief stated, "We are not negotiating about Greenland." Borrell further emphasized that "of course, we support our member state, Denmark, and its autonomous region, Greenland." This senior European official also referred to the extensive ties between the EU and the United States but stated that Europe must consider its strengths in discussions with both allies and rivals.