EU Council decides to re-implement cooperation agreement with Syria

The   European Council decided on Monday (May 11th) to end the partial suspension of the cooperation  agreement between the European Economic Commission and Syria and to re-apply it in full, thus restoring full trade relations with Syria.

The Council said in a statement that this decision represents  an important step towards strengthening bilateral relations between the EU and Syria, explaining that the decision sends a clear political  signal  to the EU's commitment to reconnect with Syria and support its economic recovery.

Al Shaibani: Building a True Partnership Based on Responsibility

The activities of the "EU-Syria Partnership Coordination Forum" kicked off in the Belgian capital, Brussels, with the participation of a high-level Syrian delegation headed by Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani.

 During the opening, Minister  Al-Shaibani stressed that Syria today looks at the world from Brussels with a new face, after overcoming 14 years of war and isolation, calling  on European institutions to invest in the "current geopolitical moment", stressing that Syria's strategic location makes it a safe and stable route for global supply chains.

Al-Shaibani said that  a stable Syria contributes to the stability of the Mediterranean region and Europe, and Syria cannot be stable without achieving recovery, rebuilding institutions and providing services so that Syrians can return to their villages with dignity.

European Commissioner: €355 million in European financial support

For her part,  European Commissioner Dobravka Shuisa announced during the opening of the forum practical steps to support Syria's recovery path, revealing the implementation of a financial package worth 175 million euros, followed by a second package of 180 million euros this year.

Shuissa stressed that these financing are aimed at stimulating investments and encouraging European banks to enter into projects to rebuild infrastructure and health institutions.

The European Commissioner also announced the European Union's intention to organize an expanded investment conference at the end of this year, to support the Syrian government's efforts in reconstruction and facilitate the voluntary and safe return of refugees who possess the creative energies their country needs.

The Refugee File and the "European Dilemma"

The refugee file is the main driver of European interest (especially Germany, which hosts about a million Syrians) in the situation in Syria.

According to European diplomatic sources, European political forces, especially with the rise of right-wing currents, are pushing to speed up the return of Syrians, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that 80% of refugees want  to return to their country.