EU-Syria Agreement: A New Chapter in Trade Relations
The European Union lifts partial suspension of cooperation agreement with Syria, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations and support economic recovery.
In a significant development, the European Council has adopted a decision terminating the partial suspension of the cooperation agreement between the European Economic Community and the Syrian Arab Republic.
This move marks an important step towards strengthening bilateral trade ties with Syria, as the EU aims to re-engage with the country and support its economic recovery.The European Council emphasized that this decision sends a clear political signal of the EU's commitment to re-engage with Syria and support its economic recovery.
According to an EU official, the primary goal is to assist in the reconstruction of Syria, which has been devastated by more than a decade of civil war.
The country currently faces immense challenges, with approximately 13 million Syrians, nearly half of the population, relying on food assistance.The EU has already pledged €620 million ($730 million) in aid for the 2026-2027 period to address these pressing needs.
This support is crucial for the stabilization and economic revival of Syria, as it seeks to bring stability to the country.
The EU believes that a successful transitional government in Syria would be in the interest of European nations, considering the significant number of Syrian asylum-seekers within the bloc over the past decade.The new chapter in EU-Syria relations comes after President Assad was ousted in December 2024, paving the way for reactivation of trade ties.
The cooperation agreement, which had been partially suspended in 2011, imposed duties on imports of most industrial products from Syria.
Prior to this suspension, Syria-EU trade peaked at over €7 billion in 2010.
However, by 2023, EU imports from Syria dwindled to €103 million, while European exports to Syria stood at €265 million.Looking ahead, the EU seeks a more ambitious association agreement with Syria, similar to those established with neighboring countries like Egypt, Israel, and Lebanon.
Although this goal remains distant, the EU aims to facilitate access to financing for Syrians and support various sectors, such as agriculture, through initiatives like irrigation pumps.
Additionally, the EU is set to sign an agreement to rehabilitate a major hospital in the western Homs region.The sensitive matter of Syrian migrant returns also plays a role in this renewed cooperation.
Germany, home to the largest Syrian diaspora within the EU, has been at the forefront of advocating for voluntary returns.
However, there is no question of forcing Syrians to leave at the EU level, as the conditions are not yet suitable for large-scale voluntary returns.
The focus remains on working towards stability and economic recovery in Syria, creating sustainable conditions for potential returnees.The recent agreement between the EU and Syria marks a new chapter in their trade relations, with both parties aiming to strengthen bilateral ties and support the economic revival of Syria.
This move marks an important step towards strengthening bilateral trade ties with Syria, as the EU aims to re-engage with the country and support its economic recovery.The European Council emphasized that this decision sends a clear political signal of the EU's commitment to re-engage with Syria and support its economic recovery.
According to an EU official, the primary goal is to assist in the reconstruction of Syria, which has been devastated by more than a decade of civil war.
The country currently faces immense challenges, with approximately 13 million Syrians, nearly half of the population, relying on food assistance.The EU has already pledged €620 million ($730 million) in aid for the 2026-2027 period to address these pressing needs.
This support is crucial for the stabilization and economic revival of Syria, as it seeks to bring stability to the country.
The EU believes that a successful transitional government in Syria would be in the interest of European nations, considering the significant number of Syrian asylum-seekers within the bloc over the past decade.The new chapter in EU-Syria relations comes after President Assad was ousted in December 2024, paving the way for reactivation of trade ties.
The cooperation agreement, which had been partially suspended in 2011, imposed duties on imports of most industrial products from Syria.
Prior to this suspension, Syria-EU trade peaked at over €7 billion in 2010.
However, by 2023, EU imports from Syria dwindled to €103 million, while European exports to Syria stood at €265 million.Looking ahead, the EU seeks a more ambitious association agreement with Syria, similar to those established with neighboring countries like Egypt, Israel, and Lebanon.
Although this goal remains distant, the EU aims to facilitate access to financing for Syrians and support various sectors, such as agriculture, through initiatives like irrigation pumps.
Additionally, the EU is set to sign an agreement to rehabilitate a major hospital in the western Homs region.The sensitive matter of Syrian migrant returns also plays a role in this renewed cooperation.
Germany, home to the largest Syrian diaspora within the EU, has been at the forefront of advocating for voluntary returns.
However, there is no question of forcing Syrians to leave at the EU level, as the conditions are not yet suitable for large-scale voluntary returns.
The focus remains on working towards stability and economic recovery in Syria, creating sustainable conditions for potential returnees.The recent agreement between the EU and Syria marks a new chapter in their trade relations, with both parties aiming to strengthen bilateral ties and support the economic revival of Syria.
