EU General Court Sustains Sanctions Listing of Syrian Businessman

Syrian businessperson Issam Anbouba remains subject to EU sanctions after the EU General Court on May 15 sustained his listing based on criteria issued in 2023 but annulled the criteria issued in 2022, according to an unofficial translation.

The EU Court of Justice previously rejected Anbouba's challenge to his designation in 2013, the year he was originally sanctioned. The General Court revisited Anbouba's listing, given that the criteria for his designation have changed.

In 2023, the European Council maintained Anbouba's listing for being an "influential businessman carrying out his activities in Syria." The court said it's "apparent" Anbouba has interests in "several sectors of the economy," which justified that designation. However, the court said the council improperly maintained his listing in 2022 after finding that he benefitted from or supported the Syrian regime.