In a landmark diplomatic move, the European Union's most senior officials have made their first official visit to Syria, signalling a major thaw in relations with the war-torn nation. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa met with Syria's interim President, Ahmad al-Sharaa, in Damascus on Friday 9 January 2026.
A Pledge for Reconstruction and Recovery
The high-level delegation arrived with a significant commitment to support Syria's arduous recovery following nearly 14 years of devastating civil war. The conflict concluded in December 2024 when a lightning rebel offensive, led by al-Sharaa who was then an Islamist rebel commander, ousted former President Bashar Assad.
During the talks, President Costa announced a substantial financial package from the EU. The bloc will provide 620 million euros (approximately $723 million) in 2026 and 2027. This funding combines crucial humanitarian assistance with support to kickstart long-awaited reconstruction efforts, which had been blocked by international sanctions during Assad's rule.
"After decades of fear and silence, Syrians began a long journey toward hope and renewal. Europe will do everything it can to support Syria’s recovery and reconstruction," President von der Leyen stated in a post on the social media platform X.
Navigating a Fragile Peace and Regional Tensions
The visit comes at a critical yet fragile moment for Syria. Since Assad's fall, the country has faced severe economic hardship and sporadic outbreaks of sectarian violence. Furthermore, al-Sharaa's government has yet to fully consolidate its control over the entire territory.
Recent days have seen clashes erupt in Aleppo between Syrian government forces and Kurdish fighters. These hostilities are linked to stalled negotiations over merging the new national army with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which controls much of the northeast. Although Syria's Defence Ministry announced a ceasefire on Friday, the SDF had not publicly responded to the deal at the time of the EU visit.
President Costa addressed these tensions directly, noting that "the violent escalations of recent days are worrisome" and urging "continued dialogue." He acknowledged the difficult road ahead, stating, "We know that the path to reconciliation and recovery remain difficult and long. Healing, rebuilding lives and creating trust in institutions takes time."
Broader Regional Stability: The Lebanon Connection
Following their historic stop in Damascus, the EU delegation travelled to Lebanon, underscoring the interconnected nature of regional stability. The visit coincided with a significant announcement from the Lebanese army, which confirmed it had completed the first phase of a plan to disarm non-state groups, including the powerful Hezbollah militia, in areas south of the Litani River.
Von der Leyen welcomed this progress on disarmament and stated the EU was "ready to step up our cooperation" to support Lebanon's cash-strapped military. She emphasised the importance of upholding "Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity" and called for the ceasefire deal that ended the latest Israel-Hezbollah war in November 2024 to be "fully respected by all parties."
"And it is paramount to ensure that Hezbollah is fully disarmed," she added. This statement carries weight as Israel has continued near-daily airstrikes in Lebanon since the ceasefire, arguing they target Hezbollah's attempts to rearm, and has threatened to escalate attacks if full disarmament does not occur.
The dual visits mark a concerted European effort to engage with two pivotal but troubled states in the Middle East, linking financial support for Syria's recovery with firm backing for state sovereignty and disarmament in neighbouring Lebanon.
