Syria participates in EU donor conference for first time

Syria participated in a donor conference for the first time, hosted by the European Union in Brussels. This meeting aimed to support the country's new leaders in achieving a peaceful political transition after the ousting of President Bashar Assad in December. The EU announced an increased aid pledge of nearly 2.5 billion euros for 2025 and 2026. However, security concerns and reduced aid from Western nations, including the U.S., complicate the situation. The interim government faces challenges in consolidating control and rebuilding the war-torn country. The conference also addressed Syria's urgent economic and humanitarian needs, with high unemployment and infrastructure damage. Germany pledged around 300 million euros to assist those affected by the civil war, focusing on both immediate aid and long-term recovery efforts.