EU and Syria meet to take their relations and cooperation forward

On Monday, 11 May, the European Union and the Syrian Transitional Authorities will convene two high-level meetings in Brussels to reinforce EU-Syria relations and discuss ways to support Syria's socio-economic recovery, reconstruction, and long-term stability.

After the fall of the Assad regime, the EU opened a new chapter in its relations with Syria, engaging with the Syrian Transitional Authorities and supporting the country's political transition. As the recent visit of President Ursula von der Leyen and President Antonio Costa to Damascus in January highlighted, Syria is now opening a path to reconciliation and recovery. The EU is ready to support it with a new framework of cooperation. The two high-level meetings on Monday therefore represent a steppingstone for bilateral cooperation.

In the morning, a meeting of the Syria Partnership Coordination Forum will take place. It will bring together international stakeholders to align efforts on aid, reconstruction, and development. The meeting will be co-chaired by Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, and Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani. Senior representatives from Member States, G7 countries, Arab countries, the United Nations, and major financial organisations will also participate.

Later in the day, following the Foreign Affairs Council, the High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas will co-chair the first EU-Syria High Level Political Dialogue, alongside Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani. This dialogue marks a strategic shift, moving from a crisis response to a long-term partnership built on a shared vision for stability, recovery, and prosperity. Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica, and Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib will also join the meeting.

These events will be the opportunity for the EU to reaffirm its firm commitment to Syria's inclusive and peaceful transition - one that reflects the aspirations of all Syrians, ensuring long-term stability and prosperity for the country and the wider region.