In major Europe news with global implications, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the immediate removal of all sanctions on Syria, arguing that the country cannot recover without broader international backing. The appeal came at the end of his two-day visit to Damascus, where he met Syria’s new leadership and urged faster support for economic recovery, reconstruction and refugee returns.
Guterres said recent moves by Western governments to ease restrictions were a positive step, but insisted they do not go far enough. His message was clear: Syria needs investment, functioning institutions and restored public services if it is to move beyond more than a decade of war.
Europe News: Guterres presses for full sanctions relief on Syria
Speaking in Damascus, Guterres said the UN stands with the Syrian people at a pivotal moment. He urged the international community to spare no effort in helping the country rebuild after years of conflict that devastated homes, roads, hospitals and the wider economy.
During the visit, he met President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and the speaker of the transitional parliament, which recently held its first session. He also held talks with civil society representatives, women, youth groups and members of Syria’s diverse communities.
The UN chief additionally visited Sednaya prison near the capital, a site long associated with abuses under former ruler Bashar al-Assad. The stop underscored the scale of the country’s political and humanitarian transition since Syria’s new authorities took power in December 2024.
- Guterres welcomed the easing of some sanctions
- He called for all remaining sanctions to be lifted immediately
- He said Syria needs support for jobs, infrastructure and essential services
- He also stressed safe, voluntary and dignified refugee returns
Read more: latest ireland news and breaking irish news updates today | top ireland news headlines and current affairs analysis
Reconstruction challenge remains enormous
While several Western countries, including the United States, have loosened restrictions, investors have remained cautious. Syria’s reconstruction bill is expected to be vast, with the World Bank estimating that post-war rebuilding could cost about $216 billion.
According to the UN, around 1.7 million refugees have returned since Assad’s ousting. Even so, the displacement crisis remains severe, with roughly 5.5 million people still displaced inside Syria and another six million living abroad.
Why sanctions matter now
Syria’s new authorities are attempting to revive the economy, restore basic services and rebuild state institutions. But lingering sanctions, weak investor confidence and damaged infrastructure continue to slow that effort. Guterres argued that lifting restrictions completely would open more realistic paths to recovery and help restore livelihoods across the country.
Fresh concern over Israeli military activity in southern Syria
The visit also unfolded against renewed regional tension. Syrian state media reported that Israeli forces entered villages in the Yarmuk basin in western Daraa province, accompanied by military vehicles and a bulldozer. Reports said a checkpoint was established and leaflets were dropped warning residents not to obstruct troop movements.
Since the fall of Assad in late 2024, Israel has expanded military activity in and around the UN-patrolled buffer zone on the Golan Heights. Israeli officials have said they want to maintain a security zone in southern Syria.
Guterres strongly criticised these actions, saying violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are unacceptable and must stop. He reiterated that the Golan Heights are Syrian territory and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to Syria’s independence, unity and sovereignty.
Explore more: europe news insights with ireland news coverage and global trends | irish news reports readers in ireland are following today
What this means next
For Syria, the message from this Europe news development is significant: diplomatic support alone will not be enough without economic action. Guterres said the country’s transition appears to be moving in the right direction, but success will depend on inclusive governance, sustained aid and credible international investment. His call for full sanctions relief places fresh pressure on world powers as Syria tries to rebuild after war.
FAQ
Why did the UN chief visit Syria?
He visited to meet the new leadership, assess recovery needs and press for stronger international support.
What did António Guterres say about sanctions?
He said all sanctions on Syria should be removed immediately to support economic recovery and reconstruction.
Why is reconstruction such a challenge?
Syria faces massive infrastructure damage, a weak economy, investor caution and a reconstruction cost estimated at $216 billion.
