Donors pledge €5.8 billion for Syria's reconstruction efforts

International donors met in Brussels on Monday and promised nearly €6 billion (around $6.5 billion) in aid for Syria. This was aimed at helping the new leaders rebuild after the removal of President Bashar Assad in December. The region and world powers want to stabilize Syria, which has suffered through 14 years of civil war and has caused millions to flee the country. For the first time, representatives from the Syrian authorities attended the conference. Interim Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shibani was present, marking a significant step in the country's rebuilding efforts. However, recent violence in Syria has raised doubts about the new Islamist-led government's stability and ability to lead. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that Brussels will increase its aid commitment to almost €2.5 billion for this year and next. The funds consist of €4.2 billion in grants and €1.6 billion in low-interest loans. Von der Leyen emphasized the need for greater support for Syrians, whether they remain abroad or choose to return home. The pledges from Brussels included major contributions from individual countries, such as about €300 million from Germany and €192 million from Britain. However, there were no contributions announced from the United States during this gathering.