European countries inside EU call for reassessment of their Syria policy
European countries called during a meeting of EU foreign ministers to reassess relations with Syria and communicate with the Syrian government.
Ahead July of a meeting of EU foreign ministers to discuss the situation in the Middle East, eight capitals, including Rome and Vienna, called on the EU to review and evaluate its approach to Syria.
In a letter to the EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, the foreign ministers of Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia and Slovenia wrote, “Our goal is a more active, results-oriented and pragmatic policy in Syria, and this would allow us to increase our political influence and the effectiveness of our humanitarian aid”.
Since 2017, the stabilization of the conflict and moves by Arabic countries to normalize relations with Damascus have led to a change in dynamics.
Despite these important developments, the ministers added, “EU policy towards Syria hasn’t evolved, and as a result the massive humanitarian effort does not translate into a similar political role”.
The European ministers proposed the creation of an EU envoy in Syria who could communicate not only with Syrian actors but also with other countries in the region, as well as re-engage with the Syrian ambassador to the EU in Brussels, Belgium.
They also suggested discussing the impact of the EU’s sanctions regime on the Syrian government, arguing that over-compliance in the banking system had unintended negative effects on the population.
Any steps seen as easing pressure on the Syrian government are likely to be met with resistance from other capitals.
The EU remains steadfast in its position vis-à-vis the Syrian government, as on May 28, the EU extended European sanctions on Syria until June 2025.
