Some European Union sanctions against Syria are being lifted, France's foreign minister said on Monday, as part of a broader EU move to help stabilise Damascus after the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in December.

France is lifting some sanctions against Syria, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told reporters on Monday as top diplomats from the European Union met in Brussels to discuss a coordinated approach to sanctions relief for the war-torn country.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she expected the bloc to agree Monday to begin easing sanctions on Syria after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. Brussels says it is now willing to ease sanctions on the expectation the new authorities make good on commitments to form an inclusive transition.

The European Union may soon suspend sanctions against Syria. In particular, it concerns energy and transportation, Reuters reports. According to the three diplomats and a document seen by Reuters, the European Union has not yet agreed on whether to ease restrictions on financial transactions with regard to Syria.