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The EC observed that this initiative comes after the declaration by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in January 2026 regarding a new "EU collaboration framework with Syria."
The EC communiqué mentioned that within this context, the EU is enhancing its backing for a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led transition, tackling humanitarian issues, and aiding economic recovery initiatives.
It was noted that the EU-Syria Cooperation Agreement experienced partial suspension in 2011 "due to the systematic repression and significant human rights abuses by the Assad regime."
This accord has been effective since 1978. It eliminates customs tariffs on imports of most industrial products from Syria into the EU and prohibits quantitative limitations from both parties.
Brussels noted that this proposal comes after the removal of all economic sanctions on Syria in May 2025 and EC President von der Leyen's visit to Damascus in January 2026.
The EU Council must now formally approve the EC proposal.
source: reuters.com
The EC communiqué mentioned that within this context, the EU is enhancing its backing for a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led transition, tackling humanitarian issues, and aiding economic recovery initiatives.
It was noted that the EU-Syria Cooperation Agreement experienced partial suspension in 2011 "due to the systematic repression and significant human rights abuses by the Assad regime."
This accord has been effective since 1978. It eliminates customs tariffs on imports of most industrial products from Syria into the EU and prohibits quantitative limitations from both parties.
Brussels noted that this proposal comes after the removal of all economic sanctions on Syria in May 2025 and EC President von der Leyen's visit to Damascus in January 2026.
The EU Council must now formally approve the EC proposal.
source: reuters.com