EU Commission proposes full resumption of EU-Syria cooperation deal
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The European Commission on Monday proposed the full resumption of the long-suspended EU-Syria Cooperation Agreement, marking a new phase in relations between the European Union and Syria after years of political and economic rupture.
The move follows the announcement in January by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen of a renewed framework for cooperation with Syria.
Brussels says the step is aimed at supporting a peaceful and inclusive Syria-led transition, addressing humanitarian needs, and contributing to economic recovery efforts.
The Cooperation Agreement, which has governed EU-Syrian relations since 1978, was partially suspended in 2011 in response to systematic repression and grave human rights violations by the former Assad regime.
The agreement had provided the legal framework for trade and development cooperation, including the removal of customs duties on most Syrian industrial exports to the EU and the prevention of quantitative trade restrictions between the two sides.
The proposal comes nearly a year after the EU lifted all economic sanctions on Syria in May 2025 and months after von der Leyen’s visit to Damascus in January 2026.
During that visit, von der Leyen outlined three pillars for renewed relations: establishing a new political partnership, creating an enhanced framework for trade and economic cooperation, and launching a financial support package worth around €620 million for 2026–2027. The package includes humanitarian aid, early recovery assistance, and bilateral support.
EU officials described the proposal as an important political signal ahead of the planned EU-Syria High Level Political Dialogue scheduled for May 11.
The proposal now requires formal adoption by the EU Council before being officially notified to Syria’s transitional authorities.