EU explores deeper Syria partnership, flags concern over Russia role

BRUSSELS/DAMASCUS: The European Union is weighing a broad upgrade in ties with Syria, including security sector reform, investment and a revival of a long-frozen trade accord, according to an EU document seen by Reuters, as the bloc seeks to draw Damascus closer to Europe and counter lingering Russian influence after Bashar Assad’s overthrow.

The discussion paper, prepared by the bloc’s diplomatic service ahead of a November 16 meeting of EU foreign ministers, sketches one of Brussels’ most ambitious efforts yet to normalize ties with Syria, less than two years after Assad’s fall ended decades of authoritarian rule and reshaped regional alliances.