Damascus Meeting
Syria's finance minister met a delegation from the European Investment Bank in Damascus on 11 November 2026 to discuss reactivating the bank's operations in the country after an interruption of roughly 15 years. The European Union's ambassador to Syria, Michael Unmacht, attended the talks, which were held at the finance ministry.
The two sides reviewed the earlier state of relations between the bank and Syria, the arrears the country owes, and a set of proposals for moving forward. The account of the meeting was released by the finance ministry.
Clearing the Arrears
The minister affirmed a commitment to reaching a suitable mechanism for settling the outstanding debts and to speeding the bank's return to financing both development and private-sector projects. He said the government wants to rebuild a sound relationship with the lender and strengthen ties with Europe more broadly.
No figure for the arrears or any settlement amount was disclosed.
Two Parallel Tracks
Officials agreed to continue along two parallel tracks. The first is ongoing dialogue on a fair settlement of the arrears that takes into account the fiscal space available to Syria.
The second is agreeing on a list of projects for financing within Syria's priorities, alongside exploring technical engagement and preparatory work.
Areas of Cooperation
The minister pointed to scope for wider cooperation, particularly around Syria's role in regional connectivity. Areas of interest to the bank included digital transformation, food security, energy and logistics.
The discussion also touched on the "Syria without camps" initiative and the possibility of the bank later supporting infrastructure and the restoration of essential services in areas where displaced people are returning.
Rebuilding European Ties
The minister outlined the financial and economic reforms the government is pursuing and the ministry's aim of helping create conditions favorable to investment. The meeting forms part of a broader effort to restore Syria's standing with European institutions after years of estrangement.