EU Mulls Easing Syria Sanctions to Boost Aid and Reconstruction

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The European Union is considering lifting some sanctions against Syria to support the country's reconstruction and help refugees return. The move aims to encourage a democratic transition and reestablish economic activity while maintaining leverage over the new authorities. The EU also plans to keep some sanctions in place to ensure its expectations are met. The bloc is working on a 'snapback' tool to quickly reimpose sanctions if necessary. The EU foreign ministers are set to discuss the details on Monday.

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