EU agrees to restore fuller trade ties with Syria
EU Restores Trade Cooperation with Syria
By Lili Bayer and Amina Ismail
Background of the Agreement
BRUSSELS, May 11 (Reuters) - EU foreign ministers agreed on Monday to restore improved trade ties with Syria, reinstating a cooperation agreement that had been suspended in 2011 when an uprising against then-leader Bashar al-Assad expanded into a 14-year civil war.
Significance of the Decision
The Council of the European Union, representing member states whose foreign ministers met in Brussels, said the move marked an important step towards strengthening bilateral relations between the EU and Syria.
Sanctions and Political Context
Sanctions Lifted and Syrian Reintegration
Most Western sanctions were lifted last year against Syria, which is seeking broader reintegration into the international community under President Ahmed al‑Sharaa, who led an alliance that ousted Assad at the end of 2024.
Details of the Cooperation Agreement
Reinstating the cooperation agreement would lift restrictions on imports of certain Syrian goods, including oil and petroleum products, as well as gold, precious metals and diamonds.
EU’s Political Message
The decision “sends a clear political signal” of the EU’s commitment to re-engage with Syria and support its economic recovery, the Council added.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Lili Bayer and Amina Ismail;Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta)
