Brussels: Europe and the Arabs

Two weeks before the scheduled high-level political dialogue between Syria and the European Union, the European Commission in Brussels proposed the full resumption of the EU-Syria Cooperation Agreement, marking a new step in relations between the two sides. This proposal follows Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's announcement in January 2016 of a new framework for EU-Syria cooperation. Within this framework, the EU reinforces its support for a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led transition, addresses humanitarian needs, and supports efforts to achieve economic recovery, according to a European statement distributed in Brussels, a copy of which we received. The EU-Syria Cooperation Agreement was partially suspended in 2011 in response to the systematic repression and gross human rights violations committed by the Assad regime. This agreement has served as the framework for cooperation between the EU and Syria since 1978, supporting economic and social development in Syria and promoting fair and legal trade relations. It also eliminates customs duties on imports of most Syrian industrial products into the EU and prohibits the imposition of quantitative restrictions on either side.

This move signals renewed momentum in political and cooperative relations between the EU and Syria following the lifting of all economic sanctions on Syria in May 2025 and President Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to Damascus in January 2026. During her visit, von der Leyen announced three key pillars for renewing bilateral relations with Syria to support reconciliation and recovery: a new political partnership, a framework for enhanced trade and economic cooperation, and a financial support package of approximately €620 million for 2026 and 2027, encompassing humanitarian aid, early recovery support, and bilateral assistance.

This proposal must now be formally adopted by the Council of Member States and subsequently communicated to the Syrian transitional authorities. It represents an important political signal ahead of the EU-Syria High-Level Political Dialogue scheduled for May 11, 2026.