EU seeks deeper partnership, more investment in Syria, foreign policy chief says

The European Union is seeking to deepen ties with Damascus and increase investment in Syria, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Tuesday, Anadolu reports.

Her remarks came during a joint news conference with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani at Tishreen Palace in Damascus during her visit to Syria.

“We aim to mobilize even more investment and upgrade our partnership,” Kallas said, noting that Syria’s transition “matters greatly” for the bloc.

“The European Union is using its political and economic tools to help Syria on the path of inclusive and peaceful transition.”

Kallas said she proposed technical talks this year on political and security issues, recovery and reconstruction, followed by a high-level political dialogue before next summer.

She said the EU is providing €620 million for recovery, humanitarian needs and institution-building, as well as €51.5 million for related efforts, including mine clearance.

Kallas stressed that rebuilding Syria requires security, clear rules, functioning institutions and investment, adding that the EU is ready to help strengthen Syrian institutions.

Tuesday’s discussions in Damascus also addressed wider regional issues, she added.

Kallas’ visit to Damascus comes days after she met al-Shaibani in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, as part of a series of meetings the Syrian foreign minister held with international officials.

The European Union has recently expanded its diplomatic presence in Syria and sent an ambassador to Damascus after a 14-year absence.

Relations between the two sides have seen a positive shift since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024, including increased political engagement and the EU’s lifting of economic sanctions on Syria in May 2025.