The European Council announced that the first high-level political dialogue between the EU and Syria will be held in Brussels on May 11, 2026.
The meeting will be co-chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian transitional government, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani. The Commission will be represented by Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica and Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib.
The dialogue will be an opportunity to make progress towards normalising relations between the EU and Syria and to take stock of the various work strands regarding the EU’s support to the Syrian transitional authorities’ efforts towards Syria’s stabilisation, socio-economic recovery and inclusive political transition.
The EU has stood with the Syrian people throughout the last 14 years, engaging in the search for a political solution and leading financial assistance. On May 28, 2025, the EU lifted all economic sanctions on Syria, with the exception of those based on security grounds.
Background Information
The EU and post-Assad era Syria
Following the fall of the Al-Assad regime, EU leaders addressed the situation in Syria at European Council meetings in 2024 and 2025.
EU leaders stressed the historic opportunity to reunite and rebuild the country and underlined the importance of an inclusive and Syrian-led political process that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people, in line with the core principles of UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
EU leaders called on all parties to preserve national unity and ensure the protection of all civilians, the provision of public services and the creation of conditions for an inclusive and peaceful political transition, and for the safe, voluntary and dignified returns of Syrian refugees, as defined by the UNHCR.
Lifting economic sanctions on Syria
On February 24, 2025, the EU suspended a number of sanctions in view of the situation in Syria.
On May 28, 2025, the EU lifted all economic sanctions on Syria, with the exception of those based on security grounds, also covering weapons and technology that might be used for internal repression.
The EU will maintain sanctions related to the Al-Assad regime in line with its call for accountability and will continue monitoring developments on the ground. It stands ready to apply further sanctions against human rights violators and those fueling instability in Syria.
These decisions are part of the EU’s efforts to support an inclusive political transition in Syria, as well as the country’s swift economic recovery, reconstruction, and stabilization.
Council conclusions on Syria
On June 23, 2025, the Council approved conclusions reaffirming the EU’s commitment to stand with the Syrian people and to support a peaceful and inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition to help build a better future for all Syrians.
The EU has been willing to engage with the transitional government in regional and multilateral fora, and has urged all external actors without exception to fully respect Syria’s unity, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The EU has condemned unilateral foreign military actions and presence, and all attempts to undermine Syria’s stability and prospects for a peaceful transition, including through foreign information manipulation and interference.
EU assistance to Syrians
The conflict in Syria, and the suffering it is causing the Syrian people, is the world's largest humanitarian disaster and refugee crisis, with no parallel in recent history. 6.5 million people are internally displaced and 4.3 million Syrian refugees registered in neighbouring countries (Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt).
16.5 million people in Syria require humanitarian assistance and more than half the population lacks a stable source of water.
A total of 9.1 million people are food insecure. Both maternal malnutrition and acute malnutrition in children under 5 are at global emergency thresholds.
The EU and its member states are the leading donors of international aid to those affected by the conflict in Syria. Since the start of the crisis in 2011, the EU and its member states have mobilized more than €37 billion to support Syrians both within the country and across the region.
The EU’s humanitarian aid focuses primarily on critical needs and fosters life-saving assistance. The assistance is channeled through humanitarian partners - NGOs, UN agencies and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement - which provide the most vulnerable with healthcare, food assistance, water, sanitation and hygiene services, protection, shelter and education.
Brussels conferences on Syria
Since 2017, the EU has held yearly conferences on Syria and the surrounding region, with the aim of providing support to the Syrian population and neighbouring countries hosting Syrian refugees and mobilizing the international community in support of a peaceful and inclusive political solution for Syria.
The conferences have been opportunities to engage in and deepen dialogue with Syrian civil society (including representatives from Syria, neighbouring countries and the diaspora), the main UN stakeholders and agencies, EU member states, representatives of third countries, and international NGOs.
At the 2025 conference, entitled 'Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition', the EU and its partners committed an overall sum of €5.8 billion (of which nearly €2.5 billion from the EU) for 2025 and 2026. The funds will be used to support Syria's transition and the country's socio-economic recovery and reconstruction, as well as to address the urgent humanitarian needs both within Syria and in host communities across Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey.
Support following the earthquake
In the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023, the European Commission and the Swedish Presidency of the Council co-hosted, on March 20, 2023, the 'Together for the people of Turkey and Syria' international conference. The total pledged at this conference was €911 million in grants for Syria. The Commission alone made €108 million available for humanitarian and early-recovery assistance for the people of Syria.
EU regional funds
Since its establishment in December 2014, the 'EU regional trust fund in response to the Syrian crisis', also known as the 'Madad fund', has mobilised €2.38 billion.
The fund's mandate officially ended in December 2021, with projects running until June 2025, and it has been replaced by the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (also known as 'NDICI-Global Europe'). This instrument provides the framework for the EU's cooperation in support of the Syrian people for the period from 2021 to 2027.
Sanctions against the Al-Assad regime
The European Union suspended all its bilateral cooperation with the government of Syria and its supporters in May 2011, following the escalation of violence and the unacceptable human rights situation.
Between 2011 and 2024, the EU adopted sanctions against the Al-Assad regime. However, following the fall of the regime, on 24 February 2025 the EU suspended a number of sanctions, including in the field of energy, transport and financial transactions, in order to facilitate engagement with the country, its people and businesses.
On May 28, 2025, the EU lifted all economic sanctions on Syria, with the exception of those based on security grounds.
Remaining economic sanctions include:
Individuals and entities listed are subject to an asset freeze, and no funds or economic resources can be made available to them. Individuals are also subject to a travel ban.
These sanctions were last extended until June 1, 2026.
In addition, between 2023 and 2025 the EU sanctioned individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses under the global human rights sanctions regime.
EU strategy on Syria
The presence of Da'esh and other terrorist groups in Syria poses a serious threat to the country, the broader region and the international community as a whole. In March 2015, the EU therefore adopted the 'EU regional strategy dedicated to Syria as well as the ISIL/Da’esh threat'.
Following the territorial defeat of Da’esh in 2019, the EU has continued to support international efforts to prevent Da’esh from resurging. In December 2024, the Council reiterated its unwavering commitment to combating terrorism in Syria and to the work of the Global Coalition Against Da’esh.
Minority groups in Syria
Syria is home to a wide array of minorities, including: Alawites, Christians (Greek Orthodox, Melkite Greek Catholic, Syriac Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic etc...), Druze, Kurds, Yezidis and others.
_____
EC; UNHC; WFP; OCHA
The meeting will be co-chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian transitional government, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani. The Commission will be represented by Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica and Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib.
The dialogue will be an opportunity to make progress towards normalising relations between the EU and Syria and to take stock of the various work strands regarding the EU’s support to the Syrian transitional authorities’ efforts towards Syria’s stabilisation, socio-economic recovery and inclusive political transition.
The EU has stood with the Syrian people throughout the last 14 years, engaging in the search for a political solution and leading financial assistance. On May 28, 2025, the EU lifted all economic sanctions on Syria, with the exception of those based on security grounds.
Background Information
The EU and post-Assad era Syria
Following the fall of the Al-Assad regime, EU leaders addressed the situation in Syria at European Council meetings in 2024 and 2025.
EU leaders stressed the historic opportunity to reunite and rebuild the country and underlined the importance of an inclusive and Syrian-led political process that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people, in line with the core principles of UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
EU leaders called on all parties to preserve national unity and ensure the protection of all civilians, the provision of public services and the creation of conditions for an inclusive and peaceful political transition, and for the safe, voluntary and dignified returns of Syrian refugees, as defined by the UNHCR.
Lifting economic sanctions on Syria
On February 24, 2025, the EU suspended a number of sanctions in view of the situation in Syria.
On May 28, 2025, the EU lifted all economic sanctions on Syria, with the exception of those based on security grounds, also covering weapons and technology that might be used for internal repression.
The EU will maintain sanctions related to the Al-Assad regime in line with its call for accountability and will continue monitoring developments on the ground. It stands ready to apply further sanctions against human rights violators and those fueling instability in Syria.
These decisions are part of the EU’s efforts to support an inclusive political transition in Syria, as well as the country’s swift economic recovery, reconstruction, and stabilization.
Council conclusions on Syria
On June 23, 2025, the Council approved conclusions reaffirming the EU’s commitment to stand with the Syrian people and to support a peaceful and inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition to help build a better future for all Syrians.
The EU has been willing to engage with the transitional government in regional and multilateral fora, and has urged all external actors without exception to fully respect Syria’s unity, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The EU has condemned unilateral foreign military actions and presence, and all attempts to undermine Syria’s stability and prospects for a peaceful transition, including through foreign information manipulation and interference.
EU assistance to Syrians
The conflict in Syria, and the suffering it is causing the Syrian people, is the world's largest humanitarian disaster and refugee crisis, with no parallel in recent history. 6.5 million people are internally displaced and 4.3 million Syrian refugees registered in neighbouring countries (Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt).
16.5 million people in Syria require humanitarian assistance and more than half the population lacks a stable source of water.
A total of 9.1 million people are food insecure. Both maternal malnutrition and acute malnutrition in children under 5 are at global emergency thresholds.
The EU and its member states are the leading donors of international aid to those affected by the conflict in Syria. Since the start of the crisis in 2011, the EU and its member states have mobilized more than €37 billion to support Syrians both within the country and across the region.
The EU’s humanitarian aid focuses primarily on critical needs and fosters life-saving assistance. The assistance is channeled through humanitarian partners - NGOs, UN agencies and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement - which provide the most vulnerable with healthcare, food assistance, water, sanitation and hygiene services, protection, shelter and education.
Brussels conferences on Syria
Since 2017, the EU has held yearly conferences on Syria and the surrounding region, with the aim of providing support to the Syrian population and neighbouring countries hosting Syrian refugees and mobilizing the international community in support of a peaceful and inclusive political solution for Syria.
The conferences have been opportunities to engage in and deepen dialogue with Syrian civil society (including representatives from Syria, neighbouring countries and the diaspora), the main UN stakeholders and agencies, EU member states, representatives of third countries, and international NGOs.
At the 2025 conference, entitled 'Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition', the EU and its partners committed an overall sum of €5.8 billion (of which nearly €2.5 billion from the EU) for 2025 and 2026. The funds will be used to support Syria's transition and the country's socio-economic recovery and reconstruction, as well as to address the urgent humanitarian needs both within Syria and in host communities across Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey.
Support following the earthquake
In the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023, the European Commission and the Swedish Presidency of the Council co-hosted, on March 20, 2023, the 'Together for the people of Turkey and Syria' international conference. The total pledged at this conference was €911 million in grants for Syria. The Commission alone made €108 million available for humanitarian and early-recovery assistance for the people of Syria.
EU regional funds
Since its establishment in December 2014, the 'EU regional trust fund in response to the Syrian crisis', also known as the 'Madad fund', has mobilised €2.38 billion.
The fund's mandate officially ended in December 2021, with projects running until June 2025, and it has been replaced by the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (also known as 'NDICI-Global Europe'). This instrument provides the framework for the EU's cooperation in support of the Syrian people for the period from 2021 to 2027.
Sanctions against the Al-Assad regime
The European Union suspended all its bilateral cooperation with the government of Syria and its supporters in May 2011, following the escalation of violence and the unacceptable human rights situation.
Between 2011 and 2024, the EU adopted sanctions against the Al-Assad regime. However, following the fall of the regime, on 24 February 2025 the EU suspended a number of sanctions, including in the field of energy, transport and financial transactions, in order to facilitate engagement with the country, its people and businesses.
On May 28, 2025, the EU lifted all economic sanctions on Syria, with the exception of those based on security grounds.
Remaining economic sanctions include:
- an arms embargo
- export restrictions on dual-use goods, equipment and technology for internal repression and software for interception and surveillance
- a ban on trade in goods that form part of Syria's cultural heritage
Individuals and entities listed are subject to an asset freeze, and no funds or economic resources can be made available to them. Individuals are also subject to a travel ban.
These sanctions were last extended until June 1, 2026.
In addition, between 2023 and 2025 the EU sanctioned individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses under the global human rights sanctions regime.
EU strategy on Syria
The presence of Da'esh and other terrorist groups in Syria poses a serious threat to the country, the broader region and the international community as a whole. In March 2015, the EU therefore adopted the 'EU regional strategy dedicated to Syria as well as the ISIL/Da’esh threat'.
Following the territorial defeat of Da’esh in 2019, the EU has continued to support international efforts to prevent Da’esh from resurging. In December 2024, the Council reiterated its unwavering commitment to combating terrorism in Syria and to the work of the Global Coalition Against Da’esh.
Minority groups in Syria
Syria is home to a wide array of minorities, including: Alawites, Christians (Greek Orthodox, Melkite Greek Catholic, Syriac Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic etc...), Druze, Kurds, Yezidis and others.
_____
EC; UNHC; WFP; OCHA
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