EU eases sanctions on Syria to speed up aid to earthquake victims

The European Union has announced a temporary easing of sanctions on Syria in order to facilitate the delivery of aid to this country affected by the February 6 earthquake.

The European Council said in a statement that humanitarian organizations would not need six months to obtain prior permission from EU member states to send materials or provide services to entities subject to the bloc's sanctions.

He added that this action came in view of the seriousness of the humanitarian crisis in Syria, which was exacerbated by the earthquake.

The EU noted that it and its member states are the main donors to Syria, with donations totaling €27.4 billion to the country and neighbouring refugee-hosting countries, such as Turkey, since 2011.

After the earthquake, the EU provided €3.5 million to contribute to the urgent humanitarian needs in Syria.