In a historic visit to the Syrian capital, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Friday, January 9, 2026, that the European Union will grant Syria €620 million ($722 million) to fuel post-war recovery and humanitarian efforts.1 The aid package, spanning 2026 and 2027, marks the highest-level EU diplomatic mission to the country since the ousting of the Assad regime in late 2024.2+1
Accompanied by European Council President António Costa, von der Leyen met with interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa to signal the start of a “new chapter” in bilateral relations, conditioned on the country’s continued transition toward an inclusive and peaceful democracy.3
A Three-Pillar Framework for Renewal
The funding is part of a comprehensive strategic pivot designed to reintegrate Syria into the regional economy while addressing the “immense” devastation left by decades of conflict.4 The EU’s new engagement strategy rests on three core pillars:5+1
- Political Partnership: Launching a high-level dialogue in the first half of 2026 to support constitutional reform and national reconciliation.6
- Economic Reintegration: Initiating talks to revive the long-dormant EU-Syria Cooperation Agreement, which would grant Syrian goods access to the European single market.7
- Direct Financial Support: The $722 million package will prioritize the restoration of essential state services—such as electricity and water—and support early recovery projects.8
Addressing the Refugee Crisis and Regional Stability
A primary objective of the EU’s sudden financial surge is the facilitation of “safe, dignified, and voluntary” returns for the millions of Syrian refugees currently residing in neighboring Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon, as well as across Europe.
| Strategic Priority | Goal for 2026-2027 |
| Refugee Repatriation | Partnering with UNHCR to create secure zones for returnees. |
| Market Access | Encouraging the European Investment Bank (EIB) to resume local activity. |
| Institution Building | Training civil servants and rebuilding judicial infrastructure. |
Shadows of Conflict: The Aleppo Escalation
Despite the optimistic tone in Damascus, von der Leyen described the recent surge in violence in Aleppo as “worrisome.”9 Fierce clashes between government forces and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) this week have reportedly left dozens dead and threatened to derail the fragile peace.10+1
The EU has urged all parties to maintain the ceasefire and participate in inclusive dialogue, emphasizing that minority protections—particularly for the Kurdish population—remain a “red line” for continued European financial support.11
“After decades of fear and silence, I can see with my own eyes that the possibility of renewal is real,” von der Leyen stated. “But healing and rebuilding trust in institutions takes time. Europe will do everything it can to ensure this transition is inclusive of all Syrians.”
The EU Parliament building in Strasbourg on ndla by Samfoto
