EU, Syria hold first high-level dialogue to boost ties

The European Union and Syria held their inaugural high-level political dialogue in Brussels on Monday, signaling a new phase in bilateral relations as both sides explore ways to advance cooperation and tackle regional security challenges.

Focus on stabilization and recovery

The meeting was co-chaired by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, with European Commissioners Dubravka Suica and Hadja Lahbib also in attendance. According to a post-meeting statement, discussions centered on the current state of EU-Syria relations and opportunities for enhanced cooperation amid ongoing regional tensions. The dialogue reviewed Syria’s transitional authorities’ efforts toward stabilization, socioeconomic recovery, and an inclusive political transition, while the EU reaffirmed its support for humanitarian assistance and reconstruction initiatives.

Human rights and cooperation

“Discussions highlighted the importance of upholding the rights of all Syrian citizens and coordinating efforts to promote stability, humanitarian assistance and socioeconomic development,” the statement said. The dialogue comes as Syria continues to recover from over a decade of conflict, with Türkiye playing a key role in hosting millions of Syrian refugees and supporting reconstruction efforts. Ankara has long called for the international community to engage constructively with Damascus to ensure lasting stability.

EU lifts suspension of cooperation agreement

The meeting followed an earlier decision by EU foreign ministers to lift the partial suspension of the EU-Syria Cooperation Agreement imposed in 2011. Officials described the move as another step toward normalizing relations between Brussels and Damascus.