The European Union is considering easing sanctions on Syria to facilitate humanitarian aid and recovery efforts, according to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. Barrot suggested that sanctions obstructing aid delivery and the country's rebuilding could be lifted swiftly. The US has also issued a six-month sanctions exemption for transactions with governing institutions in Syria to ease the flow of humanitarian assistance. The EU aims to reach an agreement on lifting some sanctions before a meeting of the bloc's 27 foreign ministers on January 27. Targeted measures under discussion include easing financial transactions, improving air transport, and reducing sanctions on the energy sector to address Syria's severe power shortages.