The European Commission and the Syrian Transitional Authorities have confirmed a significant strategic partnership focused on Syria’s economic revival, signaling a move from crisis response to long-term development. The collaboration was solidified at the Syria Partnership Coordination Forum in Brussels, co-chaired by EU Commissioner Dubravka Šuica and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani.
Quick Facts
- New €620 million EU aid package for 2026–2027.
- €15 million ‘Technical Assistance Hub’ to support Syrian institutions.
- EU-Syria Cooperation Agreement proposed for resumption to restore trade.
Building Institutions and Infrastructure
A core component of the EU’s support is a €15 million ‘Technical Assistance Hub,’ a Team Europe initiative aimed at strengthening the capacity of Syrian public institutions. The hub will act as a central point for Syrian authorities to access technical expertise from the EU and its partners, improving coordination and public service delivery.
Furthering this commitment, Commissioner Šuica announced a €14 million EU contribution for the rehabilitation of the Al-Rastan Hospital in Homs. This project, along with a new Team Europe Initiative on Health, is part of a broader €175 million socio-economic recovery package announced in June 2025. The EU is also preparing an additional €280 million for 2026 and 2027.
Restoring Trade and Private Sector Growth
Following the fall of the Assad regime, the EU has taken decisive steps to reintegrate Syria into the international economy. In May 2025, all remaining economic sanctions were lifted, and the EU Council has since agreed to restore the EU-Syria Cooperation Agreement, which was suspended in 2011.
Reinstating the agreement would remove import restrictions on key Syrian goods, including oil products and precious metals. The move is designed to provide a clear political signal of the EU’s commitment to re-engaging with Syria and supporting its private sector growth, business environment, and access to finance.
A New Era of EU-Syria Relations
The forum coincided with the first EU-Syria High Level Political Dialogue, providing a platform to discuss bilateral cooperation and EU support for an inclusive political transition. These events represent a strategic shift in the EU-Syria relationship, moving towards a long-term partnership built on a shared vision for stability and prosperity.
Since 2011, the EU and its Member States have contributed over €41 billion in assistance to the Syrian people, making it the largest donor. The new cooperation framework aims to build on this foundation to secure a stable future for both Syria and the wider region.
About the Syria Partnership Coordination Forum
The Syria Partnership Coordination Forum is a high-level meeting co-hosted by the European Commission and the Syrian Transitional Authorities. It brings together representatives from EU Member States, partner countries, the United Nations, and major financial organizations. The forum’s primary objective is to coordinate and align international efforts on aid, reconstruction, and development with Syria’s own recovery priorities.
Source: Mirage News
