Diplomats: EU Set to Ease Syria Oil Embargo Two diplomats say the European Union is set to ease its oil embargo on Syria to bolster the forces fighting to oust President Bashar Assad's regime. The EU diplomats said Friday the decision would allow the import of oil production technology and the sale of crude from territory held by the Syrian opposition, in close coordination with the movement's leaders. The diplomats spoke on condition of anonymity Friday ahead of a formal decision by the bloc's 27 foreign ministers at their meeting Monday in Luxembourg. Syria was never a major oil producer, but exports could open an important revenue stream for Syria's opposition. However, the diplomats acknowledged that it was still unclear when and how much crude could be exported, due to the volatile security situation.