The European Union will grant Syria around 620 million euros ($722 million) this year and next for post-war recovery, bilateral support and humanitarian aid, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday.
"After years of devastation under the Assad regime, Syria's recovery and reconstruction needs are immense, and I just could see (it) by my own eyes," she said during a visit to the Syrian capital Damascus.
Von der Leyen said the EU wants to start talks on reviving a cooperation accord with Syria and that it will launch a new political partnership with the country, including high-level talks in the first half of 2026.
Last year, the EU lifted economic sanctions on Syria after rebels toppled longtime autocratic President Bashar al-Assad following over a decade of civil war.
Von der Leyen said the recent escalating violence in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo between government forces and Kurdish fighters this week was "worrisome", and that continued dialogue between all parties was "urgently needed".
Al-Sharaa met with the European Commission chief, as she became the highest ranking EU official to visit since longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad was ousted.
Von der Leyen is conducting a regional tour alongside Antonio Costa, who heads the European Council. Their visit follows days of deadly clashes between government forces and Kurdish fighters in the north Syrian city of Aleppo.
"We will continue working together in support of a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition," said a joint EU-Jordan statement issued on the eve of the EU leaders' arrival in Damascus.
Syria is struggling to forge a new path after years of war sparked by a brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protests in 2011.
Sharaa has come under pressure to protect Syria's many minority communities, including the Kurds.
Several EU officials have visited Syria since Assad's ouster by Sharaa's forces in December 2024. In March, the EU pledged nearly 2.5 billion euros in aid for Syria for 2025 and 2026.
($1 = 0.8588 euros)