European Union leaders have pledged full support for Syria's recovery during a visit to Damascus on January 9, meeting President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the People's Palace to discuss reconstruction and political cooperation.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa met Syrian officials including Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani to discuss developing cooperation between Syria and the EU, the Syrian presidency announced on January 9.

"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," von der Leyen wrote on social media platform X.

Discussions covered reconstruction, stability in Syria and the region, economic partnerships, sustainable development, humanitarian issues and refugee matters affecting Europe, according to the Syrian presidency statement.

Both sides stressed the importance of maintaining Syrian territorial unity and expanding political dialogue to serve Syrian interests and build a balanced partnership with the EU.

Costa said the visit demonstrated "continued support for the Syrian people" following the fall of the Assad regime. "After many years of war and suffering, the fall of the Assad regime finally offered some hope to the Syrian people. There is still a long way ahead but you have already taken the first steps," he stated.

The visit follows growing EU engagement with Syria's new leadership. EU Mediterranean Commissioner Dubravka Suica visited Syria in June 2025, saying the bloc wanted to see the country become stable and prosperous under its new authorities.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced the lifting of economic sanctions imposed under the former regime in May 2025.

Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia in late 2024, ending his nearly 25-year rule and bringing down the Baath Party regime that had governed since 1963. A transitional administration headed by Sharaa was formed in January 2025.