Borrell: Russia Not Invited to Syria Brussels Conference Because of Aggression on Ukraine

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told Asharq Al-Awsat in an interview that the European Union holds onto its three “red lines” which involve not contributing to Syria’s reconstruction, not removing sanctions and not re-establishing full diplomatic ties with Damascus “until a genuine and comprehensive political transition is firmly under way in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.”

“The EU policy positions have not changed since the behavior of the Assad regime is not changing,” said Borrell, adding that the EU continues to help Syrians inside and outside the country. “Since the beginning of the Syrian conflict in 2011, the European Union and its Member States have been the largest donors of humanitarian and resilience assistance to Syria and the region with € 27.4 billion.”

Borrell spoke on the eve of the two-day donor conference that is set to be held in Brussels on Monday.

“This conference is traditionally the main pledging event of the year for the Syrian people. What is different this year is that it takes place on the backdrop of an unprecedented military aggression directly in EU’s neighborhood. But we want to show to Syrian people that despite the Russian aggression against Ukraine, we remain committed to continue supporting also the Syrian people and host communities in neighboring countries, and we are not forgetting them,” he said.

Borrell confirmed that Russia was not invited to the conference.

“We are inviting those partners who have a genuine interest to contribute to peace in the world and to help victims of conflict. Through its aggression on Ukraine, Russia has proven that it is not sharing this interest,” he said.

Here is the full text of the interview carried out on Saturday.

1- What do you expect of the donor conference in Brussels on May 9 and 10? How does this one differ from the previous ones?

This conference is traditionally the main pledging event of the year for the Syrian people. What is different this year is that it takes place on the backdrop of an unprecedented military aggression directly in EU’s neighborhood. But we want to show to Syrian people that despite the Russian aggression against Ukraine, we remain committed to continue supporting also the Syrian people and host communities in neighboring countries, and we are not forgetting them. With the Brussels Conference this year, we want to ensure sustained international attention and support for them.

We have hosted the Brussels Conference since 2017. The objectives are to reassert the international community’s commitment towards Syrians and towards a negotiated political solution to the conflict in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254, to continue mobilizing much needed financial support to meet the needs of Syrian refugees and their host communities in neighboring countries, and to provide a platform for dialogue with civil society.

2- Why did you not invite the Russian government to the Brussels conference?

As host of the Conference, we are inviting those partners who have a genuine interest to contribute to peace in the world and to help victims of conflict. Through its aggression on Ukraine, Russia has proven that it is not sharing this interest.

3- The conference comes after the European Union renewed economic sanctions against Damascus. Does it have any effect on Brussels conference?

These are two different things, they are not linked and are not in contradiction. The Conference aims to raise funds for the Syrian people – mainly the refugees and internally displaced. The sanctions target the regime for its continued violent repression against the civilian population. Our sanctions are a clear signal that the repressive policies of the Assad regime against the civilian population of Syria, including the expropriation of land for political purposes, as well as the use of chemical weapons, are considered unacceptable by the European Union. They are also sending a message to the supporters of the Syrian regime that their support to the regime would come at a cost.

EU sanctions are not targeted against the Syrian people, do not prohibit the export of food, medicines or medical equipment and a number of exceptions are foreseen for humanitarian purposes. This shows that we care for Syrian people and the Brussels Conference is only reinforcing this commitment to help them in any way we can.

4- The EU after last meeting in Brussels, have said that they are committed to the three No’s: no to contribution to the reconstruction, to lifting of the sanctions, no formulations [“normalization”?] without success of the political process in Syria. Are these conditions still valid?

The EU policy positions have not changed since the behavior of the Assad regime is not changing. The EU will not re-establish full diplomatic relations with Syria, we will not start working on reconstruction until a genuine and comprehensive political transition is firmly under way in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

As long as there is no progress in the implementation of the relevant UN resolutions for Syria, the European Union will maintain its sanctions regime as an additional means of pressure on the Syrian regime to change its behavior.

At the same time, we will continue our large-scale humanitarian work in Syria and the region, in support of the Syrian people, wherever they reside as well as their host communities in neighboring countries. Since the beginning of the Syrian conflict in 2011, the European Union and its Member States have been the largest donors of humanitarian and resilience assistance to Syria and the region with € 27.4 billion.

5- Moscow and Damascus are asking to put money in “early recovery” projects. What's the EU position on this?

We do not work with the regime inside Syria, in line with our position on no relations with the Syrian regime and no reconstruction until a genuine and comprehensive political transition is firmly under way in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

However, the European Union is supporting the Syrian people directly suffering from the conflict, to build their future. We are actively fostering local initiatives in Syria where EU parameters and red lines are respected. We are supporting and empowering civilians across the country, working on education, health, livelihoods, building social cohesion, demining. These activities implemented at grassroots level aim at addressing the current needs of the population while also preparing the ground for Syria’s future for all Syrians.

We are also supporting the restauration of a dialogue and social cohesion among Syrians inside Syria and the region after eleven years of conflict. Supporting the development of a strong civil society with a specific emphasis on Syrian women and youth is essential in this regard. This is also the reason why the Brussels Conferences put a strong emphasis on the dialogue with civil society. Together with the Syrian people, they are the actor of change for the future of Syria.

6- What is your position on the efforts of the UN Envoy to Syria Mr. Pedersen on Constitutional reforms and on his “step-for-step" proposal?

The European Union fully supports the efforts of UN Special Envoy Pedersen to make progress on all elements of UN Security Council Resolution 2254, including the work of the Constitutional Committee in Geneva and the Special Envoy’s “steps-for-steps” approach. We discussed this and other related issues at Ministerial level at the meeting of EU Foreign Affairs minister in January, which was also attended by UNSE Pedersen.

Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nidal Al-Shaar stated that while the serious lifting of US sanctions on Syria could gradually yield positive results for the country’s economy, expectations must remain realistic, as rebuilding trust in the Syrian economy is essential.

In an exclusive interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Shaar described the removal of sanctions as a necessary first step toward eliminating the obstacles that have long hindered Syria’s economic recovery. Although the immediate impact will likely be limited, he noted that in the medium term, improvements in trade activity and the resumption of some banking transactions could help create a more favorable environment for investment and production.

The breakthrough came after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman successfully facilitated a thaw in relations between Washington and Damascus, ultimately convincing the US president to lift sanctions on Syria. During his historic visit to Saudi Arabia last Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced he would order the removal of all sanctions on Syria to “give it a chance to thrive”—a move seen as a major opportunity for the country to begin a new chapter.

Al-Shaar cautioned, however, that Syrians should not expect an immediate improvement in living standards. “We need to manage the post-sanctions phase with an open and pragmatic economic mindset,” he said, stressing that real progress will only come if sanctions relief is accompanied by meaningful economic reforms, increased transparency, and support for the business climate.

He added that Syrians will begin to feel the difference when the cost of living declines and job opportunities grow—an outcome that requires time, planning, and stability.

According to Al-Shaar, the first tangible benefits of lifting sanctions are likely to be seen in the banking and trade sectors, through facilitated financial transfers, improved access to essential goods, and lower transportation and import costs. “We may also see initial interest from investors who were previously deterred by legal restrictions,” he said. “But it’s important to emphasize that political openness alone isn’t enough—there must also be genuine economic openness from within.”

He also underscored the importance of regional support, saying that any positive role played by neighboring countries in encouraging the US to lift sanctions and normalize ties with Damascus “must be met with appreciation and cooperation.” Al-Shaar emphasized that robust intra-Arab economic relations should form a cornerstone of any reconstruction phase. “We need an economic approach that is open to the Arab world, and we could see strategic partnerships that reignite the national economy—especially through the financing of major infrastructure and development projects.”

When asked whether he expects a surge in Arab and foreign investment following the lifting of sanctions, Al-Shaar responded: “Yes, there is growing interest in investing in Syria, and several companies have already entered the market. But investors first and foremost seek legal certainty and political guarantees.” He explained that investment is not driven solely by the removal of sanctions, but by the presence of an encouraging institutional environment. “If we can enhance transparency, streamline procedures, and ensure stability, we will gradually see greater capital inflows—especially in the service, industrial, and agricultural sectors.”

As for which countries may play a significant role in Syria’s reconstruction, Al-Shaar said: “Countries with long-term interests in regional stability will be at the forefront of the rebuilding process. But we must first rebuild our internal foundations and develop an economic model capable of attracting partners under balanced conditions—ones that protect economic sovereignty and promote inclusive development.”

The minister concluded by stressing that lifting sanctions, while significant, is not the end of the crisis. “Rather, it may mark the beginning of a new phase—one filled with challenges,” he said. “The greatest challenge isn’t securing funding, but managing resources wisely, upholding the principles of productivity, justice, and transparency. We need a proactive—not reactive—economy. We must restore the value of work and implement policies that put people at the center of development. Only then can we say we are beginning to emerge from the bottleneck.”

Last Wednesday, Riyadh hosted a landmark meeting between the Crown Prince, Trump, and Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa—marking the first meeting between a Syrian and a US president since Hafez Al-Assad met Bill Clinton in Geneva in 2000.

Most US sanctions on Syria were imposed after the outbreak of the country’s conflict in 2011. These targeted deposed President Bashar Al-Assad, members of his family, and various political and economic figures. In 2020, additional sanctions came into effect under the Caesar Act, targeting Assad’s inner circle and imposing severe penalties on any entity or company dealing with the Syrian regime. The Act also sanctioned Syria’s construction, oil, and gas sectors and prohibited US funding for reconstruction—while exempting humanitarian organizations operating in the country.

Borrell: Russia Not Invited to Syria Brussels Conference Because of Aggression on Ukraine