<h1>EU Hosts Donor Conference to Support Syria's Post-Assad Transition; Rebuilding Costs Estimated at $400 Billion</h1> The European Union is hosting a donor conference in Brussels to support Syria's transition following the ousting of President Bashar Assad. This marks Syria's first participation in such an event, represented by Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani. The conference aims to consolidate Syria's new leadership and address the country's economic and infrastructural devastation, estimated to cost up to $400 billion to rebuild. Despite easing some sanctions, the EU remains cautious due to recent violence and sectarian attacks. The interim government, led by former insurgent leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, faces challenges in asserting control and rebuilding amidst skepticism from ethnic and religious minorities.