France raised its flag over its Damascus embassy on December 17 for the first time in 12 years as the European Union outlined plans for renewed engagement with Syria following recent political changes.

French diplomats made an initial assessment visit to Damascus, meeting with representatives of Syria's transitional authorities, the foreign ministry said.

Photos from inside the embassy entrance show that locals had trashed it. French special security forces accompanied the diplomats on entry, including moving a smashed BMW vehicle blocking the gate. 

While the embassy has not formally reopened, the symbolic flag-raising marks a significant shift in France's stance after cutting ties with former President Bashar al-Assad in 2012.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a series of measures aimed at supporting Syria's transition, including the establishment of an air bridge for humanitarian aid and the return of EU diplomats to Damascus.

"We will do our part to support Syria at this critical juncture," von der Leyen said. She added that the EU would begin discussions on easing sanctions, conditional on a peaceful political transition.

The Commission president emphasized that any return of displaced Syrians "must be voluntary and respect their humanity," signalling EU priorities for the country's stabilisation process.

France has stated that any political transition must be "credible and inclusive" in line with United Nations frameworks, reflecting broader European conditions for re-engagement with Damascus.

The coordinated moves by France and the EU represent the most significant Western diplomatic shift toward Syria since the outbreak of civil war in 2011, as international actors adjust to new political realities in Damascus.

The European Commission announced on December 13 a new humanitarian air bridge operation in Syria and an increase in aid funding to €163mn for 2024.

The operation will deliver 50 tonnes of health supplies from EU stockpiles in Dubai to Adana, Turkey, for cross-border distribution into Syria, the Commission said.

Earlier on December 16, British officials met with defacto Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, IntelliNews reported first.