News item | 25-01-2024 | 14:53
On January 22, 2024, the European Union adopted sanctions against individuals and companies linked to the Syrian regime, including organizing human smuggling operations. This step by the EU stems from a joint initiative by the Netherlands, Germany, France and Sweden.
Human smuggling through the Mediterranean
The EU sanctions target individuals and companies linked to the Syrian regime that are involved in the smuggling of migrants. These individuals and companies have created a revenue model from offering dangerous journeys for a fee to Syrians who want to flee the country. The regime – which is largely responsible for the flow of Syrian refugees through oppression of the population – benefits economically from these refugees in this way. Business people and companies, including those affiliated with President Assad’s adviser, are organizing flights from Damascus to eastern Libya. From there, the smuggling route often continues via the Mediterranean Sea to Europe.
This smuggling route is part of a revenue model of the Syrian regime that contributes to financing the ongoing violent repression of the civilian population in Syria. That is why the EU has put individuals and companies that engage in this on the sanctions list.
Iranian and Russian influence
Persons who are part of the Syrian business elite, including relatives of first lady Asma al-Assad, are also being added to the sanctions list. These businessmen benefit from the regime’s illegal revenue models and facilitate the undermining Iranian and Russian influence in Syria and the Middle East.
Targeted sanctions; The Netherlands supports the Syrian people
This sanctions package consists of targeted sanctions. It only affects the individuals and companies on the sanctions list. The assets of the persons and companies on the sanctions list in the EU are frozen. People and companies in the EU are also not allowed to do business with them, and people on the sanctions list are not allowed to enter the EU. The sanctions therefore have no impact on support to the Syrian population, such as the humanitarian aid provided by the Netherlands and the EU. With these targeted sanctions, the EU and its member states are sending a clear message: the Netherlands and the EU continue to stand behind the Syrian people.
Earlier in the past year (April 24, 2023), the Netherlands adopted additional sanctions against individuals and organizations of the Syrian regime. The sanctions package targeted the regime’s large-scale drug trafficking, repression of the population and Syrian cooperation with Russia.