Ahmed al-Sharaa, the interim president of Syria, is scheduled to participate in the 9th Brussels Conference on March 17, a key international donor summit aimed at garnering support for Syria’s stabilization and reconstruction following years of conflict.

This will be al-Sharaa’s first visit to Europe since assuming the presidency in December, marking a significant moment in Syria's political landscape.

The summit, hosted by the European Union, aims to mobilize global backing for an inclusive and peaceful transition in Syria, an objective emphasized by EU officials.

Anitta Hipper, a spokesperson for the European Commission, stated that an invitation was also extended to Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, signifying the inclusion of the new Syrian administration in discussions regarding the future of the war-torn country.

The European Commission has reiterated its commitment to supporting a transition that guarantees the rights of all Syrians while minimizing foreign interference.

This follows a pattern of EU engagement in Syria that dates back to 2017, with regular donor meetings held in Brussels to outline support strategies amidst ongoing challenges.

The upcoming conference is particularly notable as it is the first since the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad, and it represents a concerted effort to engage with the new Syrian leadership.

Previous remarks by EU foreign policy chiefs indicate a strategic approach, with plans to enhance communication and cooperation with the newly established government in Syria.

In a related development, the European Parliament has voted in favor of banning the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles starting in 2035. The legislation, which received significant support with 339 votes for, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while promoting the transition towards electric vehicles.

This move is part of the broader European Commission agenda known as "Fit for 55," which targets a reduction of net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030.

Moreover, in response to emerging allegations of corruption tied to lobbyists for the Chinese telecommunications firm Huawei, the European Parliament has suspended access for these representatives to its premises.

This precautionary measure follows an extensive investigation by Belgian federal police, which included search operations across multiple locations linked to the suspected bribery scandal involving several Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

While investigations continue, including interrogations of lobbyists associated with Huawei, Brussels' prosecutors have confirmed that at least one individual has been arrested and that multiple other MEPs may be implicated in bribery schemes dating back to 2021. The situation has raised concerns about the integrity of lobbying practices within EU institutions.