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
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)
