EU Moves to Restore Political, Trade Ties with Syria

The European Commission has proposed fully reviving a cooperation agreement with Syria, marking a significant step toward rebuilding political and economic relations with Damascus.

The agreement, originally signed in 1978, was designed to promote Syria’s economic and social development and strengthen trade ties with Europe. The Commission said parts of the agreement were suspended in 2011 due to human rights violations under former president Bashar al-Assad.

If reinstated, the framework would remove tariffs on most industrial goods imported from Syria, significantly easing trade barriers between the two sides.

However, the proposal still requires approval from EU member states before it can come into effect.

The move reflects a broader shift in EU policy following major political changes in Syria. A coalition of opposition forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, headed by interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, overthrew Assad’s government at the end of 2024.

Since then, the EU has moved gradually to re-engage with Damascus, including lifting economic sanctions in 2025.

Further diplomatic engagement is expected later this week, with al-Sharaa scheduled to meet EU leaders in Cyprus on Friday following an official invitation.

In addition, the European Commission announced in January plans to provide around 620 million euros in support for Syria between 2026 and 2027, aimed at aiding recovery and stabilization efforts after years of conflict.