In a step reflecting a rapidly shifting relationship between Damascus and Brussels, the European Union announced today, Monday, May 11, the end of the partial suspension, in place since 2011, of its cooperation agreement with Syria, alongside European pledges of new financial support packages and a planned investment conference to support recovery and reconstruction.
The developments came on the sidelines of the Syria-EU Partnership Coordination Forum held in Brussels, Belgium, where European and Syrian officials presented their vision for the future relationship, from renewed political and economic engagement to supporting recovery, encouraging investment, and creating conditions for the return of Syrian refugees.
EU Ends Suspension of Cooperation Agreement With Syria
The Council of the European Union issued a decision on Monday, May 11, ending the partial suspension of the cooperation agreement between the European Economic Community and Syria, canceling the 2011 decision that suspended the agreement.
The council said it would fully reapply the cooperation agreement, which it described as “an important step toward strengthening bilateral relations between the EU and Syria.”
It said the previous suspension targeted specific trade provisions in the agreement in response to grave human rights violations committed by Bashar al-Assad’s government, including provisions that lifted quantitative restrictions on imports of some Syrian products, including oil and its derivatives, gold, precious metals, and diamonds.
The Council of the European Union said the return of the agreement aligns with the EU’s broader policy to support a peaceful and inclusive transition in Syria and facilitate the country’s social and economic recovery.
It also considered the decision a clear political message affirming the EU’s commitment to reengaging with Syria and supporting its economic recovery.
The council said the European Commission would notify Syrian authorities of the end of the partial suspension, which will enter into force from the date of its adoption.
The reinstated provisions of the cooperation agreement will take effect on the first day of the first month following the notification, allowing sufficient time for implementation, according to the Council of the European Union.
The council said the EU-Syria cooperation agreement, concluded in 1977, will provide the framework for economic and trade relations between the two sides.
European Support Packages and Planned Investment Conference
European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica confirmed that the EU is working to implement a financial package estimated at 175 million euros, in addition to providing a second package worth 180 million euros during the current year, as part of support for the Syrian government in reconstruction and recovery.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, she said European funding would help open investments in the public and private sectors and encourage European banks, as Syria seeks to rebuild and provide the services needed to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees.
Šuica said Europe is working to facilitate the voluntary and safe return of Syrian refugees, noting that an investment conference will be organized at the end of the current year to support Syria and the return of refugees.
She said the Syrian European meeting represents a “historic opportunity,” affirming Europe’s commitment to supporting Syria in achieving recovery and reconstruction and moving from crisis to recovery.
She added that Syria is among the most important countries in the eastern Mediterranean, and that its reconstruction requires joint cooperation, given the scale of the major needs.
She said European institutions are providing support for health institutions and infrastructure, in addition to accelerating economic and social recovery and institution-building.
She said recovery in Syria is achieved by “building the future and achieving resilience to instill hope in Syrians.”
Al-Shaibani: Syria Seeks Long-Term Partnerships
Syrian Foreign Minister and Expatriates Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said Syria “does not ask the world to manage its future on its behalf,” but seeks to build real partnerships based on mutual interest, responsibility, and long-term stability.
In a speech at the Syria-EU Partnership Coordination Forum in Brussels, he added that Syria today is “radically different” from what it was a year and a half ago, pointing to work to strengthen the Syrian economy, encourage investment, provide decent housing, and strengthen national institutions.
He said Syrians had borne the burdens of 14 years of war, isolation, and suffering, and that the current focus is on recovery, reconstruction, and restoring confidence in state institutions.
He said the government is working to improve public institutions to ensure transparency and accountability, and is opening labor markets to European institutions based on mutual benefit, noting that restoring cooperation between Syria and Europe “requires real political will.”
He added that Syria’s stability contributes to the stability of the Mediterranean region and Europe, but that this requires rebuilding institutions and providing services so Syrians can return to their areas “with dignity.”
He said the government is working to reunify institutions, restore state authority, and lay the foundations of equal citizenship within a single national framework.
He stressed that Syria’s participation in the forum will launch talks on the frameworks that will govern the relationship with the EU based on partnership and mutual interests.
He described the transformation taking place in “new Syria” as “the culmination of an accumulated national, sovereign, and institutional path, under a transition led and owned by Syrians.”
A Syrian Recovery Vision in Four Points
Qutaiba Qadish, director of the International Cooperation Department at the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, said Syria’s national vision is based on four main points, including rebuilding infrastructure, providing basic services, achieving economic recovery, and developing central systems and public administration.
He added that the figures show the scale of the challenges and accumulated losses suffered by the Syrian economy during Assad’s rule, noting that the spread of war remnants and mines obstructs the implementation of development and recovery priorities.
He said the Syrian government is presenting a vision for the recovery track based on “moving from damage to operation, from operation to service, and from service to trust.”
European Background to Rapprochement With Damascus
The European Commission had proposed the full resumption of the EU-Syria cooperation agreement after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced, last January, a new framework for cooperation with Syria.
According to the Commission, the new framework aims to intensify European support for a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led transition, meet humanitarian needs, and contribute to economic recovery efforts.
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