EU Plans to Restore Relations with Syria Through Dialogue and Economic Ties

The European Union is set to begin formal talks with Syria on May 11, resuming a 1978 cooperation agreement.

The bloc plans to reframe and adapt its sanctions regime while increasing economic engagement through a new framework for trade and investment. A confidential EU document, prepared by the bloc’s diplomatic service and distributed to member states this week, confirms the reactivation of the agreement in full.

It also outlines the initiation of a High-Level Political Dialogue with Syria’s transitional authorities.

The document details plans for stronger economic links, including new arrangements for trade and investment, mobilization of private funding, and creation of a technical assistance hub to reform the business climate.

The EU commits to supporting the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of refugees and displaced persons. Over one million Syrian refugees and asylum seekers currently reside in Europe, with approximately half in Germany. On security, the EU proposes assistance in training Syrian police, strengthening the interior ministry, and joint work on counterterrorism, drug trafficking, and organized crime.

The EU aims to link Syria to major connectivity initiatives, such as the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor, leveraging its position for transport, energy, and digital networks.

Syria is already functioning as a transit hub, as shown by the departure on Thursday of the first tanker carrying Iraqi oil from the port of Baniyas. The document endorses the implementation of a January agreement between Damascus and Kurdish-led authorities in the northeast, focusing on integrating local institutions into national structures and broadening rights for Syrian Kurds.

In March, Syria appointed the commander of the YPG Kurdish forces as deputy defense minister for the eastern territories.