EU moves to strengthen ties with Syria, resume dialogue

The document shows that the EU intends to strengthen its relations with Syria through the resumption of official political communications and the opening of a broader track for economic and security cooperation.

According to the document, prepared by the EU’s diplomatic service and circulated to member states, the bloc plans to reactivate the cooperation agreement signed with Syria in 1978, alongside launching a high-level political dialogue with the interim authorities on May 11.

In a sign of a shift in the European approach, the document indicates that the EU will work on “restructuring and adjusting” its sanctions regime, aiming to maintain pressure tools while engaging with the Syrian leadership and targeting parties that may obstruct the transitional process.

This development comes as Syria seeks to expand its reintegration into the international community, following the easing of a significant portion of Western sanctions at the end of last year amid the transitional phase.

The European plans also include strengthening economic partnership with Syria by establishing a framework for trade and investment, encouraging private sector financing, and supporting reforms aimed at improving the business environment, including the creation of a technical assistance center.

A-H 

ANHA