Given France’s long-standing historical ties with Syria and the current post-conflict phase, what long-term role does Paris envision for itself in Syria?
As you rightly note, France today stands as a longstanding friend of Syria, one that has supported the Syrian people throughout the 14 years of revolution. Syria now has a historic opportunity to rebuild and open a new chapter in its history. The challenges are immense—security-related, economic, and political—which is natural after such profound upheaval. There is anxiety, but also a great deal of hope.
France’s objective is to support Syria in successfully navigating this transition—a transition that reflects the aspirations of its people. We intend to accompany Syria in this pivotal moment, working closely with our European, American, and regional partners.
What types of support has France provided to Syria since the fall of the Assad regime? Could you summarize the ongoing initiatives?
Following the fall of the regime, France’s engagement has aligned with the priorities of the moment:
First and foremost, a political commitment to support a transition that upholds freedoms and core principles, is inclusive, and respects all components of Syrian society. It was a clear choice to assist a country that has endured so much to finally enter an era of peace, justice, stability, and prosperity.
This has been reflected in the visit of the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs to Damascus in January 2025, the Paris International Conference on Syria in February 2025, the visit of President Ahmad al-Sharaa to France in May 2025 at the invitation of the French president, and finally, the return of the French Embassy to Syria.
Secondly, a commitment to lifting sanctions. [French president Emmanuel Macron] has clearly spoken in favor of this, followed by decisions taken by the European Union and then by the United States shortly thereafter—developments we welcomed warmly.
Thirdly, ongoing concrete support for the Syrian people, who continue to face extreme hardship, with an estimated 90% living below the poverty line. Our support is delivered through the funding of humanitarian and stabilization projects across the country—especially in health, socio-economic recovery, agriculture, and education.
Our aim now is to reinitiate bilateral or multilateral cooperation, as support to Syria must be framed within a collective approach. France had ceased such cooperation with the former regime. Today, we must reengage, understand the priorities of the Syrian authorities, and begin implementing projects.
The areas requiring attention are many—security, economic recovery, infrastructure rebuilding, and, more broadly, strengthening state capacity to deliver essential services to its citizens. We are paying particular attention to transitional justice and the reinforcement of social cohesion—both of which are essential in the current transition. Education, health, heritage, and culture are also key priorities.
Is it fair to say that French aid to Syria has effectively decreased since Assad’s ouster?
No, that is incorrect. Since 2018, France’s commitment to the Syrian population has remained steady, with annual funding of €50 million—primarily channeled through NGOs and, to a lesser extent, the United Nations in Syria.
At the Paris Conference for Syria on 13 February, [President Macron] reaffirmed France’s commitment to allocate at least €50 million for Syria in 2025.
How has France adapted its aid portfolio to the new political context? Is France still focused primarily on emergency humanitarian assistance, or has it begun shifting toward early recovery and reconstruction?
The key now is to adapt swiftly to the new context—maintaining an agile humanitarian response to address massive needs, while progressively engaging in more sustainable, long-term development efforts.
Agriculture and health have been identified as strategic sectors to support Syria’s transition. For example, we are supporting field initiatives with various partners to improve access to healthcare for the most vulnerable populations. In 2025, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs is also funding a pilot vocational training project in the industrial sector in Damascus, Aleppo, and Homs, implemented by the NGO Syrian Forum.
De-mining—an essential prerequisite for any humanitarian or development activity—is also among France’s priorities for 2025.
France is further supporting the return of its development operators to Syria, to assist Syrians through an approach that connects short-term needs with long-term objectives. Emergency responses must be part of a broader, sustained development strategy spanning the entire country. This applies to infrastructure rebuilding, agricultural revitalization, natural resource management (notably water), and vocational training.
What challenges to the political transition are revealed by the recent events in As-Suwayda?
We are deeply concerned by the recent episodes of violence in the As-Suwayda region and strongly condemn the crimes committed. France calls on the Syrian authorities to ensure the safety and rights of all communities, in accordance with the commitments made by President al-Sharaa.
In this regard, France has welcomed the recent report of the investigation committee on the crimes committed on the Syrian coast in March as a step toward swiftly bringing those responsible to justice and preventing the recurrence of such violence.
Syria’s political transition must be rooted in inclusive dialogue, mindful of local realities—the only viable path to ensuring the country’s unity, stability, and sovereignty.
What would a political roadmap leading to meaningful progress look like, according to France? Does France have concrete expectations of the Interim Government in Damascus?
As President Macron emphasized during the visit of Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa to Paris, France’s position is not to lecture anyone, but rather to stand firmly for common interests shared with Syria and others in the region.
One of the top priorities is security—the foundation of Syria’s and the region’s stability. There are real, shared threats, and Syria’s authorities are naturally engaged in confronting them. The international community stands ready to assist in this effort, particularly in counterterrorism cooperation.
France also supports a peaceful transition that ensures Syria’s stability and includes all segments of its society. We therefore underscore the importance of inclusive governance. In a transition phase fraught with challenges, building confidence among Syrians requires that all feel represented. That is why we continue to encourage dialogue between the authorities and local actors, within the framework of the Syrian state and its unity.
Transitional justice is another essential pillar of the ongoing process—there can be no peaceful Syria, at peace with its past, without accountability for past crimes and recognition of the victims.
On the economic front, France is open to deepening its cooperation with Syria. We are ready to support efforts by the Syrian authorities to turn the page on decades of corruption and clientelism. For instance, a partnership between the Banque de France and the Central Bank of Syria could be envisaged to facilitate expert exchanges on monetary policy and help strengthen Syria’s financial sovereignty.
What role does France envision for civil society and political parties in the new Syria?
The success of Syria’s political transition will ultimately depend on the full participation of its society in the national reconstruction effort. In fields ranging from the economy and public administration to security, transitional justice, and environmental protection, the magnitude of the challenges ahead means that all Syrians must work together, drawing on the richness, dynamism, and diversity of their society.
The formation of an inclusive and representative Provisional Assembly will be a first step toward fostering a vibrant and pluralistic political life. France is committed to supporting the emergence of a new Syria—free, stable, and pluralistic—where all voices can be heard.
French companies were once active in Syria’s infrastructure and energy sectors. Are there any concrete initiatives underway to re-establish commercial ties between the two countries?
French companies possess internationally recognized expertise that could contribute significantly to Syria’s recovery. Several have already reconnected. CMA-CGM is one example. Another is the French company Matière, which recently signed an agreement with the Syrian public road transport agency to rehabilitate 37 bridges across the country. Other companies have expressed interest and are beginning to explore opportunities in a well-informed and appropriate manner. Engagement with Syrian public and private stakeholders will be key to helping French companies move forward.
Does France have any plans for reconstruction or bilateral state-to-state financing?
The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) is France’s traditional bilateral financing instrument. We are currently working on its return to Syria.
On a personal note, what do you hope to achieve during this transitional period for Syria and for France’s renewed presence here?
Syria is a country close to France’s heart, and we are deeply committed to our historic ties with the Syrian people. On a personal level, I also have longstanding bonds with Syria, where I studied Arabic nearly 30 years ago.
Today, I am fully focused on the important mission entrusted to me. This is a historic moment—a time of both hope and challenges—for the Syrian people, who must be able to count on their partners. It requires deep engagement and a serious, sustained effort to ensure that France plays its part—alongside Syrians and in coordination with others. That is what I strive to do, with the support of my team.