Syria- EU multi-faceted cooperation 1996- 2002
Syria-European Union, Politics, 3/11/2002

Syria and the European Union have been linked since 1978 by a Cooperation Agreement. Since 1995 relations between the two sides have developed with the framework of the " Euro-Mediterranean Partnership" set up at the Barcelona conference between the EU 15 member states and the 12 Mediterranean partners. The main objective of this partnership is to foster prosperity and stability in the entire Mediterranean Region. Two complementary approaches have been chosen to implement the Euro-Mediterranean partnership.

At the regional level, the partner states have adopted a work program which sets out actions and priorities, relating to political, economic and cultural fields. Regional Euro- Mediterranean programs provide the framework.

On the bilateral level, the partnership will be underpinned by the Association Agreements. These association agreements aim at establishing a political dialogue, creating a free trade area between the EU and the Mediterranean partners and at providing a framework for co-operation in economic, social and cultural fields. Negotiations of the Association Agreement between Syria and the EU started in 1998. This is complemented by co-operation projects which reflect the needs and concerns of each Mediterranean partner country. These projects account for the majority of the EU funds available for the development of the Euro- Mediterranean partnership.

Until 1995, Syria- EU co-operation was centered around " classical " development activities ( irrigation schemes, education.. etc). With the Euro- Mediterranean Partnership co-operation has evolved towards supporting the economic reforms that are necessary to give Syria its place in the world economy: Reform of the banking sector, business development, improved management of public services, training and education demography and the environment. To this end, seven Financing Agreements for specific projects have been concluded since 2000.

Moreover, two additional programs have been identified and formulated in 2001: the " Health Sector Modernization program" will assist the ministry of health in Syria I its efforts of sector-wide reform to upgrade the quality of medical services and to improve access of the Syrian population to these services. Particular attention will be paid to the decentralization of health services, community participation and financial sustainability of the health sector. The second program, " improvement of water supply and sewage disposal in Palestinian refugee camp," will address the specific needs of Khan Eshieh and Khan Danoun refugee camps and surrounding Syrian villages by improving the water and sewage systems and management.

Planning for the period 2002- 2004 is currently under discussion between the EU and the Syrian Government. It will likely build on the objectives of previous programs with a focus on economic modernization and reform with a view to strengthening Syria's participation in the EU- Mediterranean partnership and integration into the world market. Priorities for future co-operation have been set in the areas of industrial development, industrial modernization, human resource development and trade enhancement.Furthermore, grants from the EU budget are complemented by loans from the European Investment Bank, generally aimed at large economic infrastructure projects.

Among the projects finalized or under construction as a result of Syria- EU co-operation are the " water supply Hama & Bseira from January 1994 to December 2003; the Lower Euphrates Drainage & Irrigation from July 1986 to December 2001; the power sector action program from the 4th Quarter 2001 to 1st quarter 2002; the Syrian European Business Center SEBC from September 2000 to September 2004; the telecommunication sector support program from February 2001 to February 2006; the demographic sector support program which aims at improving professional skills of health and statistical personnel started February 16, 1996 to June 2003; the electricity support program from November 1994 to December 2004; The Higher Institute of Business administration from February 2001 to December 2007; the Higher Institute for applied Sciences & Technology; the institutional and sector modernization facility, the cultural tourism development program; cultural heritage training program; and the banking sector support program.

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