Damascus – The European Union has unveiled a substantial €620 million ($721 million) support package for Syria spanning 2026–2027, signaling a “new chapter” in relations with the nation, officials announced Friday following discussions with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
A Landmark Shift in EU-Syria Relations
The EU is committing significant financial aid and renewed diplomatic engagement to support Syria’s recovery and reconstruction.
- The EU and Syria have established a three-pillar cooperation framework encompassing political partnership, economic cooperation, and financial support.
- All EU sanctions against Syria were lifted last year, paving the way for increased investment and economic ties.
- The European Investment Bank has been invited to resume operations within Syria.
- The EU is prioritizing the safe and voluntary return of Syrian refugees, collaborating with regional partners and the UNHCR.
EU Council President Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen embarked on a first-of-its-kind visit to Damascus, where they engaged with Syria’s new leadership to discuss the revitalization of bilateral relations. This visit underscores a significant shift in the EU’s approach to Syria after years of conflict and political isolation.
Von der Leyen detailed the new cooperation framework, built upon three core pillars. The first centers on political partnership, initiating a high-level dialogue this year to explore avenues for EU support in Syria’s recovery, reconstruction, and the establishment of lasting civil peace.
The second pillar focuses on bolstering economic cooperation. The EU lifted all sanctions last year and has invited the European Investment Bank to resume its activities in Syria. Discussions are also underway to reinstate the cooperation agreement for market access, fostering trade and investment opportunities.
The third pillar involves substantial financial support, recognizing the “immense” recovery and reconstruction needs facing Syria after years of devastation. The EU plans to allocate approximately €620 million in financial assistance for 2026 and 2027, encompassing humanitarian aid, early recovery initiatives, and bilateral support aimed at restoring essential services and rebuilding state institutions.
“We would like Syrians to have a real prospect of coming back home and rebuilding their lives here,” von der Leyen stated, emphasizing the EU’s commitment to facilitating the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of Syrian refugees. The bloc will enhance cooperation with regional partners – including Türkiye, Jordan, and Lebanon – as well as the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR, to achieve this goal.
Von der Leyen also expressed concern regarding recent escalations of violence, describing them as “worrisome,” and urged all parties to continue engaging in dialogue.
“After decades of fear and silence, Syrians began a long journey toward hope and renewal. Europe will do everything it can to support Syria’s recovery and reconstruction,” she added in a post on social media platform X.
Costa echoed this sentiment, stating on social media, “After many years of war and suffering, the fall of the Assad regime finally offered some hope to the Syrian people … There is still a long way ahead but you have already taken the first steps.”
This visit builds upon growing EU engagement with Syria’s new leadership. In June 2025, EU Mediterranean Commissioner Dubravka Suica visited Syria, expressing the bloc’s desire to see the country achieve stability and prosperity under its new authorities.
Prior to the visit, in May, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced the lifting of economic sanctions previously imposed under the former regime.
Bashar al-Assad, who led Syria for nearly 25 years, departed for Russia, bringing an end to the Baath Party’s rule, which had spanned since 1963. A new transitional administration, headed by al-Sharaa, was subsequently formed in January 2025.
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