Syria
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European Union's current co-operation with Syria is governed by the 1977 Co-operation Agreement. Due to the absence of an Association Agreement, Syria cannot yet benefit from all instruments and incentives of the European Neighbourhood Policy. Nevertheless Syria fully participates in the Barcelona Process. Negotiations on the Association Agreement between the European Union and Syria were concluded in October 2004, but the agreement still needs to be signed and ratified. One of the aims of the European Union's co-operation with Syria is to work towards its full participation in the European Neighbourhood Policy.
Co-operation Programmes 2007-2013
European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument
The three main axes of the European Union's bilateral co-operation with Syria under the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument are laid down in the Country Strategy Paper for 2007-2013 
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In accordance with the Country Strategy Paper, the National Indicative Programme for 2007-2010 earmarked an overall €130 million for supporting political and administrative reforms (€30 million, 23%), economic reforms (€50 million, 38%) and social reform (€40 million, 31%) in the country. A further €10 million was foreseen to provide support for infrastructure and/or environmental projects.
The National Indicative Programme for 2011-2013 for Syria is based on a review of the current Country Strategy Paper 2007-2013, which confirmed the European Union strategy as a valid framework to orient co-operation measures. The indicative amount envisaged for the National Indicative Programme for 2011-2013 is €129 million.
Other sources of funding
As well as from bilateral funding under the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument, Syria currently also benefits from other programme, in particular those related to higher education and refugees.
European Union encourages progress in research and innovation, in particular through Tempus programme for co-operation in the field of higher education, which promotes a knowledge society. Syria also benefits from the Erasmus-Mundus programme, enhancing mobility and co-operation with European Union in the field of higher education.
In addition, projects outside the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument are funded as special measures for alleviating the pressure of Iraqi refugees on neighbouring countries (Jordan, Syria). Under the Development Co-operation Instrument, three projects (two in the field of education, one in the field of waste management) were funded for a budget of €24 million in 2008 and €9 million were allocated for supporting the Syrian public health system in 2007.
Under the Instrument for Stability, a €1.5 million project was approved in 2008 aiming to support households managed by women and victims of trafficking. Further €18 million project aiming to prevent marginalisation, radicalisation and conflict for refugee youth was approved in 2010 (out of which €4.7 million were allocated to Syria).
Co-operation until 2006
MEDA programme
From 1995 to 2006 the European Union co-operation with Syria took place within the framework of the MEDA programme. Since 1995, more than € 259 million of assistance were allocated to Syria. Syria was late in accepting the terms of co-operation under the MEDA regulation, launched after the start of the Barcelona Process in 1995, and signed the Framework Agreement only in 2000.
In the framework of MEDA programme, funds were concentrated on a limited number of priority sectors. The second period of the MEDA programme (2000-2006) focussed on institutional strengthening, industrial modernisation, development of human resources, trade enhancement and promotion of human rights and of the rule of law. Reform-oriented projects, particularly in economic and administrative field were implemented in the private and public sector.
Assistance was provided as project aid in the form of technical assistance and strategical advice.
Further information
For European Neighbourhood Policy and EU policy towards Syria see the European External Action Service website.
More information on EU relations with Syria is available on the website of the Delegation of the European Union to Syria. For trade relations see the Trade Directorate-General website.