EU pledges €620 million to support Syria’s reconstruction

The European Union will provide Syria with approximately 620 million euros ($722 million) in funding this year and next to support post-war recovery, bilateral programs and humanitarian assistance, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on January 9.

“After years of devastation under the Assad regime, Syria's recovery and reconstruction needs are immense, and I just could see (it) by my own eyes,” she said during a visit to Damascus, marking a rare trip by a senior EU official to the Syrian capital.

Von der Leyen confirmed that the EU intends to open discussions on reviving a cooperation agreement with Syria and will establish a new political partnership with the country, including high-level talks scheduled for the first half of 2026.

The announcement comes after the EU lifted economic sanctions on Syria last year, following the overthrow of longtime autocratic President Bashar al-Assad by rebel forces after more than a decade of civil war.

Commenting on the recent uptick in violence, von der Leyen described this week’s escalation in Aleppo between Syrian government troops and Kurdish fighters as “worrisome,” stressing that continued dialogue among all actors was “urgently needed.”

Since Assad’s fall, Syria has faced severe economic hardship and recurring outbreaks of sectarian violence. The government led by President Sharaa has also struggled to assert full authority across the country.

Fighting has intensified in recent days in Aleppo between Syrian forces and Kurdish units amid stalled negotiations over a proposed merger between the newly formed Syrian army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which retains control over much of northeastern Syria.

Syria’s Defence Ministry announced a ceasefire on January 9, though the SDF did not issue a public response, leaving it uncertain whether Kurdish forces in Aleppo have agreed to the halt in hostilities.

By Tamilla Hasanova