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Italian musicians join the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra in a concert at the Damascus Opera House. (SANA)
Italian musicians join the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra in a concert at the Damascus Opera House. (SANA)

Italian and Syrian musicians perform in Damascus concert marking Italy’s National Day

    3 June 2026.  The event, titled “Italian Breezes,” brought together Italian artists and the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra in a program blending Italian classical works and Syrian musical traditions, concluding with Arab Symphonic Dances by Syrian composer Nouri Al-Rahiban.Read more at: SANA

    French President Emmanuel Macron, G7 president for 2026 (pictured at March 11, 2026 meeting), will chair the summit from June 15-17. (Reuters)
    French President Emmanuel Macron, G7 president for 2026 (pictured at March 11, 2026 meeting), will chair the summit from June 15-17. (Reuters)

    Syria’s participation in June G7 talks signals another step in international financial integration

      18 May 2026.  Syria has been invited to join a closed G7 financial session next month, discussing the country’s sustainable recovery and reintegration into the global system, along with its position in the shifting Middle East landscape. President al-Sharaa and Finance Minister Barnieh are expected to attend.Read more at:  ENAB BALADI

      Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad-al Shibani speaks in Brussels during the EU–Syria forum on regional security. (Andalou Agency)
      Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani speaks in Brussels during the EU–Syria forum on regional security. (Andalou Agency)

      Syria ready for security agreement with Israel based on mutual interests, but not forcibly imposed normalization

        14 May 2026.  In an interview with Euronews during the Brussels conference, Foreign Minister al-Shibani stated that Syria is prepared to reach an agreement with Israel that protects mutual sovereignty and security, but that normalization imposed through “military force or provocation” is unacceptable.Read more at:  SYRIAN OBSERVER

        Syria presents national recovery priorities during the first high-level EU–Syria dialogue in Brussels. (SANA)
        Syria presents national recovery priorities during the first high-level EU–Syria dialogue in Brussels. (SANA)

        EU opens door to new partnership with Syria after 14 years

          11 May 2026.  The EU and Syria held their first high-level dialogue after 14 years of Syria’s isolation. Syria presented recovery priorities and Brussels committed to spending €455 million in support of the Syrian people as the country rebuilds, while also coordinating support from other donors.Read more at:  LEVANT 24EU pledges support for Syria’s recovery and reconstruction, 12 May 2026Watch video at: SANAEU Commissioner Šuica calls Brussels EU-Syria meeting a “historic day”Watch video at: SANA

          Syrian student Jana Kharat during her interview with SANA, plus a group of European youth visiting the European Commission in Brussels, March 2026. (SANA : ISK School)
          Syrian student Jana Kharat during her interview with SANA, plus a group of European youth visiting the European Commission in Brussels, March 2026. (SANA : ISK School)

          Nothing is impossible for Syrian youth, says student winner of European accolades

            5 May 2026.  Jana Kharat arrived in Austria as a refugee at age seven, facing serious language and cultural challenges. She rose to be part of her school’s Junior Ambassadors team, the only Syrian, and participated in visits to several European institutions. Still identified with her homeland, she hopes to contribute to its reconstruction.Read more at:  SANA

            Deutsche Bundesbank, one of the first European central banks preparing to open accounts with the Central Bank of Syria. (L24:Daniel Kubirski:picture alliance)
            Deutsche Bundesbank, one of the first European central banks preparing to open accounts with the Central Bank of Syria. (L24:Daniel Kubirski:picture alliance)

            Central Bank of Syria prepares to open accounts with European central banks

              30 April 2026.  Syria’s central bank has reached agreements to open accounts with Germany, France and Austria, marking progress toward restoring international financial links and rebuilding trust with key European institutions after years of isolation.Read more at: LEVANT 24

              President Ahmad al-Sharaa during the informal emergency meeting of the European Union and Arab states on the disruption of energy, held in Nicosia, Cyprus, April 23, 2026. (SANA)
              President Ahmad al-Sharaa during the informal emergency meeting of the European Union and Arab states on the disruption of energy, held in Nicosia, Cyprus, April 23, 2026. (SANA)

              President al-Sharaa links security in Europe to stability in Middle East

                24 April 2026.  Speaking to European and regional leaders at an emergency meeting, al-Sharaa presented Syria as a safe alternative corridor—linking Central Asia and the Gulf with Europe—for the flow of energy and trade. Citing shared responsibilities with new geopolitical realities, he called on the international community to halt Israel’s attacks on Syria.Read more at:  SANA

                Syrian and German officials take part in a Berlin conference on cooperation in Syria’s reconstruction. (L24)
                Syrian and German officials take part in a Berlin conference on cooperation in Syria’s reconstruction. (L24)

                Germany sponsors conference on engaging diaspora Syrians in Syria’s recovery

                  23 April 2026.  At a conference organized by New Beginning for Syria, a program of the German government, Syria’s minister for Social Affairs and Labor, Hind Qabwat, called Syrians in the diaspora “genuine wealth.” She urged the deeper collaboration of Syrian expatriates in Germany in rebuilding Syria.Read more at:  LEVANT 24

                  European Commission flag overlaps map of Syria, depicting evolving relations. (Syrian Observer)
                  European Commission flag overlaps map of Syria, depicting evolving relations. (Syrian Observer)

                  EU member states view Syria as viable partner after little over a year of recovery

                    21 April 2026.  Relations have been warming with the EU under Syria’s new leaders, the result of frequent diplomatic missions and the dramatic policy shifts and actions they have undertaken. Syria is being viewed as a reliable partner in many spheres of shared interest and as an alternate trade corridor in the Middle East. The EU-Syria Cooperation Agreement of 1978 will soon be restored.Read more at:  SYRIAN OBSERVER

                    Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa is welcomed at 10 Downing Street, March 31, 2026. (No. 10 Downing Street official photograph)
                    Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa is welcomed at 10 Downing Street, March 31, 2026. (No. 10 Downing Street official photograph)

                    London visit of President al-Sharaa said to be defining moment in British-Syrian relations

                      1 April 2026.  Building on a history of support for Syria’s liberation, the British government is restoring relations with Syria on multiple levels. Business investors, encouraged by Syria’s reforms to meet urgent reconstruction needs, also find interest in its potential as a land bridge between the Mediterranean and the heart of Asia.Read more at: SYRIANOBSERVER

                      Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hold a joint press conference in Berlin, March 30, 2026, during al-Sharaa’s first official visit to Germany. (Markus Schreiber:AP, AFP)
                      Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hold a joint press conference in Berlin, March 30, 2026, during al-Sharaa’s first official visit to Germany. (Markus Schreiber:AP, AFP)

                      Meeting in Berlin reflects Syria’s unique relationship with Germany, plus growing cooperation between Syria and Europe

                        31 March 2026.  Thanking Germany for hosting many thousands of Syrians during the revolution, President Al-Sharaa and Chancellor Merz began talks on a ‘circular migration framework,’ enabling skilled Syrian professionals in Germany to help rebuild Syria while maintaining ties to Germany.Read more at:  LEVANT24Read more at:  SYRIANOBSERVER

                        Syrian Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, Raed al-Saleh (left) and German Federal Minister of the Interior, Alexander Dobrindt, formalized an agreement to strengthen cooperation. (SANA)
                        Syrian Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, Raed al-Saleh (left) and German Federal Minister of the Interior, Alexander Dobrindt, formalized an agreement to strengthen cooperation. (SANA)

                        Germany and Syria join forces to boost Syria’s emergency disaster response

                          27 March 2026.  Meeting in Berlin, Syrian and German disaster relief officials signed an agreement aiming to enhance Syria’s emergency response by expanding volunteer training, rebuilding operations centers, and upgrading equipment.Read more at:  SANA

                          Three-day workshop on combatting disinformation held at Damascus University’s Faculty of Media. (SANA)
                          Three-day workshop on combatting disinformation held at Damascus University’s Faculty of Media. (SANA)

                          EU’s Mission to Syria cosponsors journalism workshop on combatting media disinformation

                            25 March 2026.  An advanced training workshop for fourth-year journalism students was held at Damascus University in partnership with the EU Mission to Syria. Its goal was strengthening students’ ability to counter disinformation through critical thinking, source evaluation, and rigorous fact checking.Read more at:  SANA

                            Syrian Investment Authority officials meet with representatives of the International Court of Arbitration, part of the International Chamber of Commerce, Paris. (SANA)
                            Syrian Investment Authority officials meet with representatives of the International Court of Arbitration, part of the International Chamber of Commerce, Paris. (SANA)

                            Syrian and international officials meet in Paris to explore new avenues for economic cooperation

                              24 March 2026.  A Syrian Investment Authority delegation met ICA President Claudia Salomon to discuss economic cooperation and improvements to Syria’s business environment, joined by Syrian-French business representatives and French diplomatic officials.Read more at:  SANA

                              Syria’s Health Ministry announces a nationwide campaign to treat advanced glaucoma and cataract related blindness. (Syrian Ministry of Health)
                              Syria’s Health Ministry announces a nationwide campaign to treat advanced glaucoma and cataract related blindness. (Syrian Ministry of Health)

                              Syria launches national campaign to restore vision and improve quality of life

                                23 March 2026.  Syria’s Health Ministry announced registration for the treatment of severe cases of glaucoma and cataract-related blindness, in cooperation with the Arab European Ophthalmology Society (AEOS). The campaign reflects the development of specialized health care and strengthened international scientific cooperation.Read more at:  SANA

                                Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa participates in a video conference addressing threats to the region, March 9, 2026. (Presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic)
                                Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa participates in a video conference addressing threats to the region, March 9, 2026. (Presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic)

                                President al-Sharaa joins emergency meeting on Middle East crisis with regional and European leaders

                                  9 March 2026.  During the video conference called by European leaders, Syria’s president spoke of threats to regional stability and energy routes, calling the escalation of war “an existential threat to the entire region.” He said Damascus was coordinating with regional governments to establish a unified position.Read more at:  LEVANT24

                                  Syria’s Forgotten Contributions to Western Architecture

                                    Largely unnoticed in the West until recently, Syria played an important role in shaping European architecture through a remarkable 12thcentury cultural exchange between Islamic builders and Knights Templar. The Islamic impulse contributed significantly to the Gothic architecture of Western Europe, starting in the 12th century. It later made its influence felt in India through the distinctive Mughal style of architecture displayed in the Taj Mahal (1648) and also influenced figures like Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723), the architect of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

                                    Visitors gather in the Damascus Citadel, a medieval fortified palace in the Old City, to celebrate the opening of Damascus Heritage House. (SANA)
                                    Visitors gather in the Damascus Citadel, a medieval fortified palace in the Old City, to celebrate the opening of Damascus Heritage House. (SANA)

                                    Damascus Heritage House opens to bring Syria’s cultural legacy back into daily life

                                      26 January 2026.  The Ministry of Culture inaugurated the Damascus Heritage House as a multipurpose cultural space to strengthen collective national identity by establishing a cultural hub showcasing Syrian heritage and reconnecting it with everyday social life.Read more at:  SANA

                                      Syrian President Ahmad Sharaa meets with US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack at the People’s Palace in Damascus on January 18, 2026. (L24)
                                      Syrian President Ahmad Sharaa meets with US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack at the People’s Palace in Damascus on January 18, 2026. (L24)

                                      International community backs Syria’s ceasefire agreement with SDF

                                        21 January 2026.  The US, the EU, Turkey and several Arab countries express broad support for Syria’s territorial unity, seeing the deal as a turning point in political and security spheres. US states its support of Syria’s capacity to combat ISIS and withdraws its support from SDF.Read more at: LEVANT 24

                                        President Ahmad al-Sharaa met with European Council President, António Costa, and European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, at People’s Palace in Damascus. (SANA)
                                        President Ahmad al-Sharaa met with European Council President, António Costa, and European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, at People’s Palace in Damascus. (SANA)

                                        Syrian and European Union leaders begin new era of cooperation

                                          9 January 2026.  President al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister al-Shaibani held talks with European leaders focused on Syria’s reconstruction and stability. They also discussed economic cooperation, humanitarian issues, and migration, emphasizing Syria’s territorial unity and a constructive partnership with the EU.Read more at:  SANA

                                          Syrians celebrate the first year of freedom under theme “Let’s Complete the Story.” (Omar Sanadikl:AP)
                                          Syrians celebrate the first year of freedom under theme “Let’s Complete the Story.” (Omar Sanadikl:AP)

                                          World leaders congratulate Syria as anniversary celebrations continue across the nation

                                            9 December 2025.  Leaders from the Middle East and around the world hailed Syria’s achievements in its first year of freedom, praising the people for their endurance and resilience through years of injustice, pain and sacrifice, affirming support for a united, stable and prosperous Syria at peace with its neighbors.Read more at:  LEVANT24

                                            President Al Sharaa visits leaders from Riyadh to Washington, Paris to Moscow. (SANA)
                                            President Al Sharaa visits leaders from Riyadh to Washington, Paris to Moscow. (SANA)

                                            Syria weaves itself back into the fabric of nations with 21 foreign visits

                                              6 December 2025.  During his first year in office, President al-Sharaa visited numerous world leaders, signalling Syria’s return to Arab and global diplomacy. In his visits he underscored Syria’s importance as a partner for Middle East stability, stressing dialogue and diplomacy as the means for resolving conflicts.Read more at:  SANA