The European Union is lifting some sanctions against Syria, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said.

The bloc's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she expected EU members to agree to a "step-for-step approach" to sanctions relief for Syria. 

Europe is keen to help the reconstruction of Syria and build bridges with its new leadership after the end of the Assad family's five-decade rule.

But some EU countries worry about moving too fast to embrace the new Islamist-led rulers in Damascus.

The 27-nation EU imposed wide-ranging sanctions on the Assad government and Syria's economy during its civil war.

The EU said it is now willing to ease sanctions on the expectation the new authorities make good on commitments to form an inclusive transition. "If they are taking the right steps, then we are willing to do the steps on our behalf as well," Kallas said.