The new Syrian leadership faces the daunting task of unifying control over a territory fragmented by 14 years of civil war, with reconstruction costs estimated between $250 billion and $400 billion.

The humanitarian situation remains dire, with around 15.3 million Syrians in need of assistance, high unemployment rates, and millions displaced, including over 4.7 million registered as refugees.

However, Western governments, including the United States, are reducing aid budgets, with the U.S. expected not to offer new assistance this year, following a review of foreign aid.

The EU has begun to ease some sanctions to encourage Syria's new authorities, but many restrictions remain in place, with a warning that sanctions could be reintroduced if violence continues.

Last year's donor conference raised approximately 7.5 billion euros, but this year's efforts are hampered by the U.S. decision to suspend its international aid to Syria.

This conference comes just four months after armed groups led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) took control of Damascus, leading to Assad's flight to Russia.

On March 17, 2025, the European Union is hosting a donor conference aimed at supporting Syria's transition following the ousting of President Bashar Assad.

The interim government, led by Ahmad al-Charaa, has signed a temporary constitution establishing Islamist rule for a transitional period of five years, which has raised skepticism among religious and ethnic minorities.

The EU plans to contribute 2.5 billion euros in humanitarian assistance and support for essential services, although this is lower than previous commitments.

The UK has pledged up to 160 million euros in aid, while the EU hopes Middle Eastern countries can help fill the funding gap left by the U.S. withdrawal.

The United Nations estimates that it could take at least 50 years for Syria to recover economically from the extensive damage caused by the civil conflict.

The conference also emphasizes the need for infrastructure development, health services, education, and job creation as part of the broader recovery efforts.