The European Union has opened the door for sanctions relief on Syria after Assad’s fall but without providing a specific timeline.
The leaders of the European Union agreed on Thursday on the key principles they will follow to normalise ties with Syria after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s autocracy, with the caveat that “the jury is still out” on the rebels leading the transition.
In their joint conclusions, the heads of state and government call for an “inclusive and Syrian-led political process” that will guarantee the country’s territorial integrity, national unity, protection of all religious and ethnic minorities and respect for human rights, while preventing the re-emergence of sectarian violence, extremism and terrorism.
Leaders also stressed that any return of the Syrian refugees living across Europe should be “safe, voluntary and dignified” due to the persistent volatility on the ground.
“We have agreed on the main principles and objectives of our approach in response to the fall of Assad’s regime,” said António Costa, the president of the European Council, at the end of a one-day summit in Brussels where Syria and Ukraine topped the agenda.
“For the very first time in a decade, the people of Syria can hope for a better future,” said Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, next to Costa.
“Europe cares about the power going back to the people of Syria, and Europe has a role to play,” she added, noting the bloc’s role as Syria’s largest donor, with over €33 billion mobilised since 2011, which grants it greater leverage in the transition.
Brussels is now keeping a close eye on Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the rebel forces that led the surprise offensive that toppled Assad and is guiding the provisional government with a caretaker prime minister. HTS has promised to move Syria from a state-controlled to a free-market economy, disband all rebel forces and promote an inclusive society.
“Syria must remain united,” said HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, previously known by his “nom de guerre” Abu Muhammad al-Jolani. “There must be a social contract between the state and all religions to guarantee social justice.”
