Switzerland and the US announced changes to sanctions regimes on Syria, marking another step in the country’s gradual easing of restrictions. The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) said the amendments include updates to information on 18 individuals and four entities, along with the removal of seven Syrian institutions from the sanctions list. The measures took effect June 16 immediately after the decision was issued.
Continuing Review of Restrictions
According to the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER), the institutions removed from the list include the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, Air Force Intelligence Directorate, General Intelligence Directorate, Military Intelligence, Political Security Directorate, and the Higher Institute for Applied Sciences and Technology (HIAST).
Swiss authorities emphasized updates affecting the 18 individuals and four entities do not remove existing restrictions. Those parties remain subject to sanctions despite the administrative revisions. Officials said the changes form part of broader efforts to ease restrictions and support Syria’s recovery and reconstruction.
However, Switzerland will continue to enforce several financial sanctions as well as restrictions on arms and equipment that could be used for repression. The latest decision follows a broader reassessment of Swiss sanctions policy toward Syria.
In June 2025, the Swiss Federal Council lifted most sanctions on Damascus after implementing an earlier round of easing measures in March of the same year. Swiss officials said those steps were intended to encourage a peaceful and orderly political transition while creating conditions that support economic recovery and stability.
Congressional Action in Washington
At the same time, lawmakers in the US are advancing legislation that could remove two longstanding Syria-related sanctions laws. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee unanimously approved a bipartisan bill permanently repealing the Syria Accountability Act of 2003 and the Syria Human Rights Accountability Act of 2012.
Muhammad Ghanem, director of political affairs at the Syrian American Council, said the legislation has strong support from senior lawmakers and will now move to the next stage of the congressional process before a potential vote on the Senate floor. The repeal proposal was introduced by Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, Markwayne Mullin and Joni Ernst.
The Syria Accountability Act, signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2003, imposed restrictions on US exports, limited business activities involving American companies, froze Syrian assets and authorized additional diplomatic measures. The bill would also repeal the Syria Human Rights Accountability Act of 2012, which expanded sanctions authorities following the outbreak of protests in Syria.
Potential Impact on Economic Recovery
The recent actions by Switzerland and the US reflect a continuing shift in international policy toward Syria, especially within the EU. Supporters argue reducing sanctions could facilitate reconstruction efforts, encourage investment and improve Syria’s access to international markets. While significant restrictions remain in place, the latest measures indicate growing international interest in supporting Syria’s economic recovery and reintegration into the global economy.
