Full Breakdown
EU Restores Full Cooperation Agreement with Syria, Reopening Trade Channels
5/12/2026, 8:53:50 AM
Reinstating the EU-Syria Cooperation Agreement
On 11 May 2026 the European Council ended the suspension of the 1977 EU-Syria Cooperation Agreement. The decision restores duty-free access for Syrian oil, petroleum, gold, precious metals and diamonds. It took effect immediately; the reinstated provisions apply from the first day of the month after the Commission notifies Syrian authorities.
From Sanctions to Engagement: Recent History
EU trade with Syria was suspended in 2011 after regime’s crackdown on protests that sparked civil war. Sanctions were lifted in May 2025, except those kept for security reasons. December 2024 ouster of Bashar al-Assad and appointment of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa removed the conditions that had justified suspension.
Key Actors
European Council, EU foreign ministers, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Mediterranean Commissioner Dubravka Šuica, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa led the Brussels dialogue.
Trade Figures and Financial Support
EU-Syria trade peaked at over €7 billion in 2010, fell to €103 million imports and €265 million exports by 2023. The EU pledged €175 million now and €180 million in 2026 for reconstruction and private-sector investment.
Strategic Implications for Europe and Syria
Restoring the agreement signals EU intent to re-engage economically and politically with Syria, attract investment, support the voluntary return of over one million Syrian refugees in Germany, and integrate Syria into the European market. An investment conference is planned for late 2026.
Official EU and Syrian Statements
Council called decision “an important step toward strengthening bilateral relations” and said it aligns with EU policy for an inclusive Syrian transition. Commission will notify Syrian authorities and oversee implementation. Syrian officials stressed need for long-term partnerships.
Dissenting Views and Political Debate
Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged that 80 percent of Syrian refugees return within three years, a figure he later said came from President al-Sharaa. Critics warn trade reinstatement may outpace human-rights reforms that prompted the suspension.
Unresolved Issues and Information Gaps
The notification timeline and mechanisms for monitoring compliance with remaining security sanctions are not detailed, and the EU’s verification of aid use remains unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The decision sends a clear political signal of the EU’s commitment to re-engage with Syria and support its economic recovery,” — European Council
- “European Support Packages and Planned Investment Conference European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica confirmed that the EU is working to implement a financial package estimated at 175 million euros, in addition to providing a second package worth 180 million euros during the current year, as part of support for the Syrian government in reconstruction and recovery.” — Dubravka Šuica, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean
- “ Al-Shaibani: Syria Seeks Long-Term Partnerships Syrian Foreign Minister and Expatriates Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said Syria “does not ask the world to manage its future on its behalf,” but seeks to build real partnerships based on mutual interest, responsibility, and long-term stability.” — Asaad al-Shaibani, Syrian Foreign Minister
- “According to the Council, the decision is consistent with the EU’s policy of supporting a peaceful and inclusive transition in Syria and facilitating the country’s socio-economic recovery.” — European Council
Prospects and Upcoming Initiatives
The EU will hold an investment conference by late 2026 to draw private capital for Syrian reconstruction. Continued high-level dialogue will shape the future EU-Syria framework, while the bloc monitors compliance with remaining security sanctions.
