Syria–European Union relations

Euro-Syrian relations

European Union
Syria

Syria and the European Union have signed two agreements between each other and Syria. However due to the Syrian government's crack down on its opposition, the EU is imposing an embargo on Syria.[1] The EU has begun to support the opposition Syrian National Council and calls for the present government to stand down.[2]

In March 2012, two EU member states, namely Italy and the Netherlands, closed their embassies in Damascus.[3]

Agreements

In 1977 the EU and Syria signed a Cooperation Agreement which governs relations. Syria is also a part of the EU's Union for the Mediterranean (and previously the Barcelona Process) and the European Neighbourhood Policy - but does not fully benefit pending the application of the EU-Syria Association Agreement which was signed in 2009.[4]

Trade

The EU is Syria's largest trading partner with €3.6 billion worth of EU goods exports to Syria and €3.5 billion of Syrian exports to the EU. Total trade was worth €7.18 billion in 2010 and the EU is Syria's largest trading partner with 22.5% of its trade (Syria is the EU's 50th).[5]

References

  1. ↑ Syrian Arab Republic, European External Action Service
  2. ↑ EU takes first step toward recognition of anti-Assad council, EU Observer 10 October 2011
  3. ↑ Goldman, Yoel (15 March 2013). "Saudi Arabia, Italy and Holland". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 11 August 2013.
  4. ↑ Agreements EU delegation to Syria
  5. ↑ Bilateral relations Syria, European Commission

External links