European Union restores full trade relations with Syria

European Council Terminates Partial Suspension of Cooperation Agreement with Syria

The European Council has lifted the partial suspension of its cooperation agreement with Syria, effectively restoring full trade ties between the two parties. This move marks an important step in strengthening relations between the European Union and Syria.

According to a statement released by the council, the decision “sends a clear political signal of the EU’s commitment to re-engage with Syria and support its economic recovery.” The European Commission had previously proposed that EU states fully reactivate the bloc’s cooperation agreement with Syria last month.

The move comes 18 months after the removal of Syrian strongman Bashar al-Assad from power. In January, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen met with interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus and promised to support Syria’s recovery. The EU had previously suspended trade ties with Syria in 2011 due to the country’s civil war.

Prior to the suspension, trade between the EU and Syria peaked at over €7 billion in 2010. However, by 2023, EU imports from Syria had decreased to €103 million, while European exports to Syria stood at €265 million.

The decision also comes as Germany, which has the largest Syrian community within the EU, is taking a lead role on the issue of Syrian refugee returns. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has implemented tougher migration policies in an effort to counter far-right sentiment.

Source: Al Jazeera