Foreign ministers from Italy, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Greece, and Croatia have united to propose a shift in the European Union’s stance on Syria. They advocate for lifting sanctions and renewing diplomatic relations with President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, believing that the current humanitarian aid approach has not delivered the desired outcomes.
Despite the EU’s substantial €33 billion aid contribution since 2011, 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line, fueling the ministers’ call for a policy revision. They emphasize the necessity of diplomatic engagement with Assad’s regime as a means to address Syria’s humanitarian crisis and potentially facilitate the return of refugees.
The ministers’ proposal diverges from the EU’s existing strategy, which aims for regime change, democracy promotion, and justice for war victims in Syria. Their new approach is driven by domestic considerations, including tackling the far-right’s rise and addressing the refugee influx in the EU.
With millions of Syrians facing hunger and food shortages, the effectiveness of engaging with Assad remains uncertain. Their proposal raises crucial questions about the EU’s role in alleviating Syria’s plight amidst escalating challenges.
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