Germany is leading European Union discussions on easing sanctions imposed on the Syrian government of toppled President Bashar al-Assad and aiding the country's population, foreign ministry sources said on Tuesday.

European Union sanctions in Syria that obstruct the delivery of humanitarian aid and hinder the country's recovery could be lifted swiftly, France's foreign minister said Wednesday. The United States on Monday issued a sanctions exemption for transactions with governing institutions in Syria for six months after the end of Bashar al-Assad's rule to try to ease the flow of humanitarian assistance.

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.

According to the Financial Times, which cited its sources on Tuesday, Germany is proposing that the EU ease some sanctions on the Syrian banking and energy sectors in exchange for social reforms and non-proliferation guarantees.

Germany is taking a leading role in discussions within the European Union (EU) about relaxing the sanctions placed on Syria. These sanctions were originally imposed after the violent crackdown on protests by the Syrian government in 2011.