EU support only under conditions

Just a few weeks ago, rebels looted the presidential palace in Damascus. On Friday, their leader Ahmed al-Sharaa received his first Western guests there.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and her French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot visited Syria on behalf of the European Union. This visit was “a clear signal to the Syrians: a new political start between Europe and Syria, between Germany and Syria is possible,” Baerbock said at the start of his trip. Barrot promised that Germany and France would stand with the Syrian people. They want to support him in the peaceful transfer of power.

But on site, the two ministers first had an idea of ​​the country’s recent violent past. Baerbock and Barrot together visited Saidnaya Prison, where the regime of longtime leader Bashar al-Asad imprisoned and tortured thousands of people. Representatives of the White Helmets, a Syrian civil defense organization, showed the ministers a press in which opponents of the regime were allegedly crushed to death.

“When I see here today what people experienced in this hell, in this hellish prison, I realize how important your work was,” Baerbock said, addressing representatives of the White Helmets. It was important to “listen to the voices of the free people in Syria,” like those of the White Helmets. These “underlined what kind of regime the Assad regime was, which used torture that no one could imagine.”

Europeans came with clear expectations

According to Baerbock, the conversation with new leader Sharaa was also aimed at “closing deep and open wounds.” He took power in early December with his Islamist rebel militia Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and drove Assad from the country. The United Nations classifies the group as a terrorist organization, and it is also on EU sanctions lists.

From the start of the meeting, there was an uproar while welcoming the guests. As can be seen in a video of the reception at the presidential palace, Sharaa shakes Barrot’s hand, but he only greets Baerbock. Belgian MEP Assita Kanko described the scene on X as humiliating. “Women mean nothing to them,” she writes. However, Baerbock explained after the meeting that those in power had made it clear how important it was for them to include women in Syria’s political transition process.

The Europeans went to Damascus with some offers. In addition to humanitarian aid, they also offer the new Syrian leaders prospects for economic cooperation. They also want to contribute to the reconstruction of the country, which suffered serious destruction following years of civil war. At the end of December, Germany released 60 million euros for aid projects in Syria.

But the support comes with conditions. The ministers made it clear that the Europeans clearly expected new leaders from Damascus.

First of all, it must ensure a peaceful political recovery and reconcile hostile population groups. There can only be a new beginning if women and men as well as all ethnic and religious groups have a place in the political process, Baerbock said before his departure. Europeans therefore urge not to let too much time pass before the first elections.

They also want to prevent Islamists from influencing education and the justice system. “We have made our expectations clear: an education system free from ideology, discrimination and exclusion,” German Development Minister Svenja Schulze said recently.

Baerbock wants to measure HTS by its actions

Europeans also pursue geopolitical objectives. The new Syria must “get rid of Russian influence,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in mid-December after a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels. The EU therefore expects the new leaders to close Russian military bases in the country.

However, there is still a long way to go before these goals can be implemented. Until now, European contacts with Syria have remained suspended. Many countries had withdrawn their diplomats under Assad. After his fall, Foreign Affairs Representative Kallas sent German diplomat Michael Ohnmacht to Damascus with the mission of establishing the first contacts with the interim government. In this context, the ministers’ visit is a foot in the door to Syria.

Furthermore, it is not yet clear whether the new leaders will keep their words. Representatives of the Islamist group HTS have so far been moderate. Their leader promises the Syrians a constitution and elections. Women also hold positions in the interim government.

However, doubts remain about the purge of Islamists. Its predecessor, the jihadist Al-Nusra Front, had carried out massacres of people of other faiths.

Ministers are also aware of these circumstances. “We know where HTS comes from ideologically, what it has done in the past,” Baerbock said Friday. Despite all the skepticism, the opportunity to support the Syrian people at this important crossroads should not be missed. New leaders will be judged by their actions.