The Belgian capital Brussels is preparing to host two high-level meetings between Syria and the European Union on Monday, in a move aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and discussing ways to support socio-economic recovery and reconstruction.
The dialogue follows a new chapter in relations that began with reciprocal visits, most notably the visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa to Damascus last January.
First Partnership and Political Dialogue Coordination Forum
Monday's agenda includes two pivotal meetings, the Syrian Partnership Coordination Forum, which will be held in the morning under the chairmanship of the Commissioner for Mediterranean Affairs, Dubravka Shweika, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Asaad Al-Shaibani, with the participation of representatives of the United Nations, the Group of Seven and Arab States.
The first political dialogue, which will be chaired by EU High Representative Kaia Kalas with Minister Al-Shaibani, represents a shift from a mere crisis response to a long-term partnership based on a shared vision of stability and prosperity.
According to European sources, these meetings will be an opportunity for the EU to reaffirm its firm commitment to a peaceful and inclusive transition in Syria, which reflects the aspirations of all Syrians, and ensures long-term stability and prosperity for the country and the region as a whole.
The EU also intends to strengthen its cooperation with Syria by resuming formal political contacts to pave the way for closer economic and security ties, the latest in a broader policy shift after years of freezing ties between the two sides.
Unmacht: Towards a new partnership agreement
The Chargé d'Affaires of the European Union Mission to Syria, Mikhail Unmacht, confirmed in press statements that the meetings of May 11 represent an advanced step to develop relations, as they will discuss the files of economic recovery and strengthen coordination between Damascus and donor countries.
Unmacht revealed the Union's desire to resume negotiations on a new partnership agreement, which would revive the path of cooperation that began with the 1978 agreement.
Unmacht explained that Brussels will witness a session of development and economic dialogue to coordinate efforts with the Syrian government on the reconstruction files. He stressed the importance of integrating European programs with Syrian national initiatives, such as the "Syria Without Camps" initiative, to ensure the success of the return of displaced people and refugees and their integration into the economic and social cycle.
Context of the diplomatic transition
The meetings are a continuation of a diplomatic process that began in late 2024, with France reopening its embassy in Damascus after a 12-year closure, followed by Spain, Germany and Italy.
The move also reflects commitments from the 9th Brussels Conference "Stand with Syria" in March 2025, during which the EU announced €2.5 billion in aid to contribute to the country's successful transition and reconstruction efforts.