EU Invites Syrian Foreign Minister to Brussels Amid Policy Shift

By Kardo Roj

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The European Union (EU) has officially invited Syria’s Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaybani, to visit Brussels, marking a significant diplomatic shift in EU-Syria relations following the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

The invitation, extended on Thursday by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, reflects ongoing discussions within the bloc regarding the future of its engagement with Syria’s transitional government.

Rethinking EU Sanctions on Syria

EU spokesperson Anwar al-Anouni stated in a press conference that Kallas invited al-Shaybani following their meeting in Riyadh last month. “This invitation comes as European foreign ministers continue discussions on Syria’s political future and the evolving dynamics in Damascus,” he said.

Al-Anouni also revealed that EU foreign ministers had reached a preliminary political agreement within the Foreign Affairs Council on easing sanctions imposed on Syria. However, he emphasized that technical work is still in progress, and no definitive timeline has been set for lifting the measures.

A New Approach Toward Syria?

Since the fall of Assad’s government on December 8, the EU has been reassessing its stance on Syria, considering new diplomatic channels and potential economic engagement. While some European nations advocate for maintaining pressure on Damascus, others argue that supporting the transitional government could stabilize Syria and curb external influence from Russia and Iran.

Analysts suggest that the EU’s invitation to al-Shaybani signals a willingness to explore direct dialogue with Syria’s new leadership. However, concerns remain over human rights, governance, and the influence of regional actors on Syria’s transitional phase.

The visit, if accepted, could mark the first formal high-level engagement between the EU and Syrian officials in over a decade.