Finance
EU Proposes Full Resumption of Cooperative Agreement With Syria
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 20, 2026
1 min readLast updated: April 20, 2026
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The European Commission has proposed fully reinstating the EU–Syria cooperation agreement from 1978, signaling deeper engagement ahead of planned talks with Syria in May. Syria, under President Ahmed al‑Sharaa, is seeking international integration post‑sanctions as rising tensions and the Iran war e
EU Proposes Full Resumption of Cooperation Agreement With Syria After Sanctions Lifted
European Commission's Proposal and Implications
Background of the Cooperation Agreement
BRUSSELS, April 20 (Reuters) - The European Commission has proposed a full resumption of its 1978 cooperation agreement with Syria, deepening its engagement ahead of formal talks with Syria's authorities in May, confirming a Reuters report published on Friday.
Sanctions Lifted and Syria's International Integration
Syria, which had most Western sanctions lifted at the end of last year, is seeking broader integration into the international community under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who headed an alliance of Islamist rebel factions to oust former leader Bashar al-Assad at the end of 2024 after a 14-year war.
Syria's Strategic Importance Amid Energy Crisis
It is also emerging as a critical transit point, particularly amid the energy crisis triggered by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran war.
Next Steps in the Proposal Process
The proposal will need to be formally adopted by the European Council.
(Reporting by Makini Brice)
Key Takeaways
- •The EU proposal aims to revive the 1978 cooperation agreement pending European Council approval, and precedes formal negotiations with Syrian authorities in May (Reuters).
- •Most Western economic sanctions on Syria were lifted in mid‑2025 to support its transition, while targeted sanctions on individuals and sectors remain (EU records, EUAA country report).
- •Syria is becoming a crucial transit corridor amid the 2026 Iran war energy crisis and closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted 20% of global oil trade and raised global energy security alarms (IEA, crisis trackers).
Frequently Asked Questions about EU proposes full resumption of cooperative agreement with Syria
1What agreement has the EU proposed to resume with Syria?
The EU has proposed a full resumption of its 1978 cooperation agreement with Syria.
2Why is the EU engaging more with Syria now?
Most Western sanctions on Syria were lifted at the end of last year, making deeper engagement possible.
3Who is Syria's current president?
Syria's current president is Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led an alliance to oust Bashar al-Assad.
4What must happen before the cooperation agreement resumes?
The proposal must be formally adopted by the European Council.
5How is Syria emerging as a transit point in the region?
Syria is becoming a critical transit point amid the energy crisis linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
