The European Commission proposed the full resumption of the 1978 cooperation agreement with Syria to strengthen relations with Damascus after the lifting of most Western sanctions on it, at a time when Syria's importance as a vital energy corridor is increasing amid the crisis of closing the Strait of Hormuz during the war with Iran, with the step remaining subject to the approval of the European Council.

Published on: 04/21/2026 - 03:26 Last updated: 04/21/2026 - 07:34

The European Commission has put forward a proposal to fully reactivate the cooperation agreement signed with Syria in 1978, in a step aimed at strengthening the partnership before holding official talks with the Syrian authorities in May, in line with what was revealed by a Reuters report on Friday.

Damascus, which had most Western sanctions lifted at the end of last year, is seeking to deepen its integration into the international community under the leadership of President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led an alliance of opposition Islamic factions that ousted former President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, after a 14-year war.

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Syria is currently emerging as an essential corridor, especially in light of the energy crisis resulting from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the war with Iran.

The proposal will still need formal approval by the European Council before it enters into force.

France 24/Reuters

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