The European Union is gearing up to loosen some of its long-standing sanctions on Syria, signaling a cautious shift in its approach to the war-torn nation. Foreign ministers from member countries met in Brussels this week to hash out a “road map” for easing financial restrictions. But don’t expect changes overnight—any adjustments will happen step by step.

The sanctions, originally imposed during Bashar al-Assad’s rule, were designed to pressure the regime amid years of conflict. But with Assad ousted in December and a new government taking shape, the E.U. is looking to offer some economic relief. The bloc’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, shared that the goal is to help Syria rebuild while keeping a close eye on how the new leadership, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, aligns with E.U. values.

“We’ll start by lifting the sanctions they need most to rebuild the country,” Kallas explained. “Then, we’ll see if things are moving in the right direction.” The process will be gradual, with the E.U. carefully monitoring Syria’s progress before making further changes.

The sanctions have included an oil and arms embargo, restrictions on certain technology exports, and tight financial controls. Rolling them back won’t be simple, but the E.U. seems determined to strike a balance between supporting Syria’s recovery and ensuring its new government adheres to international norms.

In a symbolic move, the E.U. is also preparing to reopen its embassy in Damascus. “We want to have our eyes and ears on the ground,” Kallas added, emphasizing the importance of being present to assess the situation firsthand.

This cautious approach reflects the E.U.’s desire to support stability in Syria while remaining vigilant about the country’s political direction. For now, it’s a wait-and-see game—one that could shape Syria’s future for years to come.