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Von der Leyen, Costa Pledge EU Backing for Syria's Reconstruction in First Damascus Meeting

The visit signals a pivot to direct engagement following the EU's lifting of civil-war sanctions.

Overview

  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met Syria's transitional government in Damascus for the first time and pledged support for recovery and reconstruction.
  • Von der Leyen said the EU will do everything in its power to help rebuild, according to her statement posted on X after the talks.
  • She and European Council President António Costa met transitional president Ahmed al-Scharaa during the visit to the Syrian capital.
  • Al-Scharaa said discussions covered cooperation, reconstruction, humanitarian concerns and the refugee question in Europe.
  • The EU has lifted sanctions imposed during the civil war and remains a major funder of aid to Syria, setting the stage for deeper involvement with details still to be defined.