On Monday, France's foreign minister announced that some European Union sanctions against Syria are being lifted to "help stabilize Damascus" following recent events. During a meeting in Brussels, EU foreign ministers, including foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, were optimistic about reaching an agreement to ease the sanctions.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated upon arriving at the EU meeting that certain sanctions on Syria's energy, transport sectors, and financial institutions key to the country's financial stabilization would be suspended. Additionally, France intends to propose sanctions on Iranian officials involved in detaining French citizens in Iran.

The fall of Assad, whose family had ruled Syria for 54 years, occurred on Dec. 8 when Islamist rebels overthrew his regime, ending a 13-year civil war and a major refugee crisis. The conflict resulted in widespread destruction in cities, deteriorating services, and a population largely living in poverty. Western sanctions have significantly isolated Syria's economy from the global market.