Macron in Damascus: Paris feels its way toward Syrian reconstruction

Damascus - 07.07.2026: Emmanuel Macron has arrived for a two-day visit to Damascus that the Élysée describes as the start of a newly calibrated Syria policy. According to the Élysée, Paris intends to support reconstruction without crossing red lines on the rule of law, human rights and sanctions. According to French officials, business representatives from the energy, construction, water and waste management and logistics sectors also accompanied the delegation.The French side speaks of a policy for a "souveränes, geeintes und pluralistisches" Syria. Concretely, Paris is considering participation in project forums ...