"What we are now thinking is to establish contacts to pass messages about our expectations," the official said.

"What I can tell you is that contacts will be at working level, and we hope it will take place soon."

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive issues, said among the EU's demands were that the new powers in Damascus protect minorities, form an inclusive transition and shun "terrorism".

The EU would also "tell the new authorities how dangerous for their sovereignty, independence... it is to have Russian bases in their territory", the officials said.

"We would be really pleased, if these new authorities decided to expel them," the official said.

"But it's for them to decide."

European countries are wrestling with their approach to Syria's new leadership, after a lightning offensive spearheaded by HTS ousted leader Bashar al-Assad.

European officials say some early pledges from those now at the helm on issues such as protecting minority rights have been promising, but the authorities would be judged on their actions.

HTS has its roots in the Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda and is sanctioned by the EU and labelled a "terrorist" group by Western powers.

But the group has sought to soften its image in recent years and distance itself from its hardline jihadist origins.

While Europe debates its response, other regional powers such as Turkey are seeking to bolster their influence and already have ties with the new leadership in Damascus.

Russia -- a key backer of Assad -- said it was in contact with the new rulers over the fate of Moscow's military bases in the country.

The Kremlin has two key bases -- one naval and the other air force -- in Syria that were used as staging posts for Moscow's military operation to support Assad.

The military facilities are a crucial foothold for the Kremlin to boost its sway in the Mediterranean and Middle East.

The EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas travels to Jordan for a crisis summit on Saturday bringing together top diplomats from key Arab nations, Turkey and the United States as well as the UN envoy for Syria.

EU foreign ministers are set to hold discussions on the bloc's future dealings with Syria at a meeting in Brussels on Monday.

A string of European countries suspended asylum claims for Syrians in the wake of Assad's toppling, and some are looking to start sending people back to the country.