During a historic visit to Syria, EU Foreign Ministers from France and Germany met with new Syrian leadership, emphasizing the need for inclusive governance and accountability. This high-level diplomatic meeting represents a significant shift in relations.

Significant Diplomatic Engagement in Damascus

The meeting in Damascus marks a pivotal moment in the EU's relationship with Syria. The foreign ministers emphasized the need for political dialogue that encompasses all demographics in the country. By engaging directly with Syria's new administration, the EU aims to shape a more inclusive future for the nation.

Call for Accountability and Justice

A major focus of the discussions was the call for justice regarding the atrocities committed during the conflict. The EU ministers highlighted the necessity of addressing the chemical weapons issue, insisting that disarmament is crucial for trust-building. Additionally, the fate of the many missing persons from the conflict was a significant layer of concern.

Path to Rebuilding Relationships

While the EU expressed willingness to engage with Syria's new administration, they maintained a cautious approach regarding financial commitment. The foreign ministers indicated that they will evaluate the actions of the new government before making substantial investments. This step-by-step approach underscores the complexities of rebuilding trust post-conflict.

The foreign ministers of France and Germany, Jean-Noël Barot and Annalena Baerbock, held a crucial meeting in Damascus with Ahmed Al-Shara, the leader of Syria's new administration. This significant diplomatic visit marks one of the highest-level engagements from the West since the regime change last month. During the meetings, the EU representatives pushed for a political dialogue that includes all ethnic and religious groups in Syria. The ministers underscored that women must also play a vital role in the constitution-making process, stressing that women's rights will serve as a yardstick for Syria's future governance. In their discussions, the EU officials reiterated Europe’s support for Syria but made it clear that they would not fund extremist structures within the country. They encouraged Syrian leaders to learn from the UN's experience in promoting an inclusive political process. As part of their mission, the foreign ministers also highlighted the importance of locating and dismantling chemical weapons in Syria, advocating for justice and accountability for the immense suffering caused by the Assad regime. The meeting also addressed the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the fate of over 100,000 missing Syrians. The ministers emphasized that a mechanism for accountability is essential for healing the nation's deep wounds. Furthermore, they underscored the necessity of respecting Syrian sovereignty and integrating Kurdish forces into the security framework, marking the initial steps in engaging the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic forces. This groundbreaking diplomatic outreach signals a cautious but hopeful shift towards rebuilding relations between Syria and the European Union.