After years of limited engagement, relations between Syria and the European Union are drawing renewed diplomatic attention as both sides explore cooperation on migration, security and regional stability..
The Brussels meeting comes as European policymakers reassess regional priorities shaped by migration pressures, security concerns and broader instability across the Middle East. While formal relations have long been constrained, recent discussions suggest a gradual shift towards pragmatic engagement focused on shared interests rather than political alignment.
Against this backdrop, AnewZ’s James Ezimoha spoke to Hadeel Oueis, Editor-in-Chief of Jusoor News and political analyst, about what the meeting reveals regarding the EU’s evolving approach to Syria.
Speaking to AnewZ, Oueis said the Brussels meeting demonstrates the growing importance of cooperation between Syria and Europe for both sides.
“It tells us how important this relationship and connection between Syria and Europe is for both parties. There is mutual interest today among Syrians and Europeans in this collaboration.”
She explained that migration remains one of the key issues shaping Europe’s approach to Syria, particularly as several EU member states continue to face pressure linked to refugee integration and return policies.
“One of the priorities for Europeans is to bring back a number of Syrian refugees to their countries, especially refugees who have not yet obtained citizenship in European countries, but it’s not the only issue.”
Oueis also stressed that security considerations are playing a major role in Europe’s renewed engagement with Damascus. Beyond migration, European governments are increasingly focused on preventing instability and avoiding the re-emergence of extremist networks in Syria that could have cross-border implications.
“In addition to that, Europe wants to be more engaged with Syria and wants to make sure that terrorist organisations will not emerge and become active again in Syria, not just because these terrorist organisations were able to export terrorists to the West and to Europe, but also because the ideas of these terrorist organisations, like ISIS, once inspired many lone wolf attacks in Europe.”
According to her, both Syria and Europe see closer cooperation as essential for maintaining long-term stability.
“Both parties believe that through close collaboration they can maintain stability in both Europe and Syria.”
The Brussels meeting reflects a gradual but notable shift in EU thinking towards Syria, driven by practical considerations rather than full political normalisation. While refugee policy remains a key concern for European states, Oueis said security risks and the need to prevent an extremist resurgence are equally shaping a cautious return to engagement between the two sides.
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