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The European Union on Monday proposed fully resuming its cooperation agreement with Syria as part of efforts to support the country following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, in a move that would restore trade provisions suspended at the start of the civil war.
The agreement, which removes customs duties on most industrial products imported from Syria, was partially suspended in 2011 after Assad's government cracked down on protests that marked the beginning of the conflict.
The proposal to fully restart the cooperation accord is the latest step by the 27-member bloc to rebuild relations with Syria after Assad was removed from power in December 2024 following more than a decade of war.
EU diplomats said the move requires approval from member states and comes ahead of plans to launch a new high-level political dialogue with Syria next month.
They added that the EU could also consider a more ambitious agreement to deepen ties with Damascus.
The EU has taken a series of measures aimed at supporting Syria's recovery and reintegration.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a 620 million euro, or about $730 million, two-year financial support package during a visit to Damascus in January.
The bloc has also lifted economic sanctions as it seeks to assist the authorities under President Ahmed al-Sharaa in rebuilding the country and restoring international ties.
Despite the political changes, Syria continues to face instability.
Sectarian tensions have continued to cause bloodshed since Sharaa took power, and the IS group remains active in the country.
The conflict that began in 2011 devastated Syria and forced millions of people to flee abroad.
Some European countries have expressed interest in seeing refugees who left Syria during the civil war return to their homeland.
The proposed resumption of the cooperation accord is part of broader efforts by the EU to engage with Syria as it navigates postwar recovery and political transition.
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