In the European Council’s conclusions on the EU regional strategy for Syria and Iraq as well as the ISIL/Da’esh threat, published on Monday 16 March, the EU confirmed that it will continue to implement sanctions that target the Syrian regime and its supporters, “as long as repression continues“. Reference was made to the EU’s designation earlier in March of 13 individuals and entities in the context.
The “indiscriminate” and “barbaric acts” committed by ISIL/Da’esh against Syrian and Iraqi civilians were also condemned, as was their “deliberate destruction” of Syria and Iraq’s archaeological and cultural heritage. The Council stated that the EU will use all its “relevant tools to tackle the threat posed by ISIL/Da’esh and its violent ideology“. The European Council reaffirmed that it would “help document and protect” their heritage in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2199, noting once more that the illegal trade of such cultural property contributes directly to terrorist financing.
