Syria, EU aims at full reactivation of delegation in Damascus

Brussels – Post-Assad EU-Syria: There is a European intention to establish new, closer bilateral relations. There is the intention of the Twenty-Seven to give new impetus to diplomatic relations, an intention put in black and white in the conclusions of the extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council convened in the wake of the deteriorating situation in the Middle East after the Israeli attacks in Iran. “The European Union will ensure a stronger and permanent diplomatic presence in Damascus as soon as possible through the full reactivation of the EU delegation,” reads the text at the end of the meeting. A few lines, but with strong political significance.

Never before has a stable Syria become more crucial than at this historic moment for the European Union, whose aim is to try to play a new role in foreign policy and international relations in a quadrant where different interests and actors meet and clash. There is, on the one hand, Turkey, concerned about the pressure and claims of the Kurds, the second largest ethnic group after the Arabs, and present in northern Syria. It is acknowledged that “The EU continues to be concerned about the involvement of Turkish-backed armed groups in the north of the country.”

On the other side are Moscow’s interests in Tehran, determined to maintain a countervailing role to the West. “The EU remains seriously concerned about the actions of Russia and Iran, which aim once again to fuel violence and destabilise Syria”. Finally, there is the policy of the Jewish state, which works in Syria to prevent hostile actions against itself. “Although it is appropriate to address Israel’s security concerns, the EU is deeply concerned about the Israeli Defence Forces’ attacks in several regions and their continued presence and military operations, particularly in southern Syria.”

Turkey to the north, Israel to the south, Russia and Iran to the north and northeast, with al-Qaeda militiamen making the country even more explosive. In this sense, the Twenty-seven EU foreign ministers continue, “the fight against Daesh and other terrorist groups, which continue to pose a threat to Syria, the region, Europe and international peace and security, remains a priority in a rapidly changing political and security environment.” An emphasis that confirms the need for the EU to invest politically in Syria, an arena in which there is virtually no European presence.

English version by the Translation Service of Withub