EU Reignites Ties with Syria: A New Dawn for Diplomacy

The European Commission has proposed a resumption of its 1978 cooperation agreement with Syria. This deepens engagement before formal talks in May, as Syria seeks broader international integration. The proposal, essential amid the energy crisis, awaits European Council approval.

The European Commission has put forward a proposal to resume its 1978 cooperation agreement with Syria. This move aims to strengthen ties ahead of formal discussions with Syrian authorities scheduled for May, aligning with a report by Reuters made public on Friday.

This development comes as Syria, under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, is aspiring for broader integration into the international community following the lifting of most Western sanctions. Al-Sharaa, instrumental in toppling former leader Bashar al-Assad in late 2024 after a lengthy 14-year conflict, is steering this diplomatic shift.

Additionally, Syria is becoming a pivotal transit hub amidst the ongoing energy crisis, exacerbated by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran conflict. The European Council must formally adopt the Commission's proposal for it to take effect.