The European Union has spearheaded a donor initiative aimed at supporting Syria’s recovery and fostering a peaceful transition following the removal of former leader Bashar al-Assad.

 Monday’s high-level meeting in Brussels, chaired by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, brought together Western and regional powers to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis. After 14 years of civil war that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, displaced millions, and devastated Syria’s economy, the EU pledged approximately €2.5 billion ($2.7 billion) in aid for 2025 and 2026.

"Syrians need increased assistance, whether they remain abroad or return home. That is why today, the European Union is expanding its commitment," announced European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Germany also stepped up its support, with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock pledging an additional €300 million ($328 million) for UN-led humanitarian efforts. "A lasting peace in Syria is only possible through an inclusive political process," Baerbock stated. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom committed up to £160 million ($208 million) in humanitarian aid, earmarked for essential services like food, water, healthcare, and education in 2025.

While last year’s donor conference raised €7.5 billion ($8.2 billion), this year’s efforts are expected to fall short due to a reduction in U.S. foreign aid contributions.

Notably, Syria was officially represented at the meeting for the first time, with interim Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani in attendance. The country’s new leadership is working to consolidate control over regions long fractured by war.

Tensions remain high, with violence erupting last week when Alawite gunmen loyal to Assad ambushed a Syrian security patrol, triggering the deadliest clashes since his ousting in December. A war monitor reported that nearly 1,500 civilians, primarily from the Alawite community, lost their lives in the fighting.