Japan lifts sanctions on 16 entities linked to Syria

On September 29, 2026, Japan lifted sanctions on 16 Syrian organizations, including key ministries, banks, and state oil companies, to aid in the country's reconstruction. This decision aligns with broader international normalization efforts following the 2024 collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime. Meanwhile, EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas visited Damascus to discuss upgrading bilateral partnerships, emphasizing that further European investment remains contingent on domestic security and institutional reforms.

Japan's recent Syria sanctions relief

• ▪Following Japan's Tuesday, September 29, 2026 decision to lift sanctions on 16 Syrian organizations, 59 individuals and 15 entities remain subject to Japan's Syria-related sanctions
• ▪On Tuesday, September 29, 2026, the Japanese government approved lifting sanctions on 16 Syrian organizations, including the defense and interior ministries, Commercial Bank of Syria, Syriatel, and several state oil companies.

Japan-Syria diplomatic relations

• ▪Japan began imposing sanctions on the regime of then-Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2011 due to the suppression of antigovernment protests.
• ▪Japan previously lifted sanctions on four Syrian entities in May 2025 following the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024.
• ▪Syria and Japan restored diplomatic ties last December, one year after Ahmad al-Sharaa formed a new government following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.

European Union sanctions

• ▪The European Union lifted sanctions on seven Syrian government organizations, including the interior and defense ministries, earlier in 2026.
• ▪The European Union renewed sanctions linked to the Bashar al-Assad government for at least another year.

EU-Syria partnership talks

• ▪Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani proposed European support for the Syrian coast guard to help combat cross-border crime and illegal migration.
• ▪Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Kaja Kallas discussed establishing a new partnership agreement to replace their existing 1970s-era accord.
• ▪European Union foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas stated on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, that the bloc wants to upgrade its partnership with Syria.
• ▪European Union foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas stated that attracting foreign and domestic investment to Syria requires security, clear rules, and functioning institutions.

European Union support

• ▪The European Union is currently providing 620 million euros to Syria for recovery, humanitarian needs, and institutional strengthening.
• ▪In January 2026, European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen told President Ahmed al-Sharaa that Europe would do everything it can to support Syria's recovery.

United States terrorism designation

• ▪The United States officially removed Syria from its blacklist of state sponsors of terrorism in August 2026, where it had been designated since 1979.
• ▪In July 2026, United States President Donald Trump notified the United States Congress of his intent to rescind Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, initiating a 45-day review.

Debatable claims

• ▪Lifting sanctions on Syria's defense and interior ministries is premature
• ▪Lifting sanctions on Syrian state oil companies is necessary for the country's economic recovery
• ▪International recognition of Ahmad al-Sharaa's government is a pragmatic necessity for Middle East stability