At a donor meeting in Brussels, the EU took the initiative to provide aid to Syria. However, the funding appeal for the war-torn country after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad risks falling short of last year's level as US support dwindles.

Western and regional powers are desperately trying to steer Syria on a path to stability after 14 years of civil war that has seen millions of refugees flee the country.

The Syrian authorities were represented for the first time at the annual conference in Brussels. It was attended by interim foreign minister Asaad al-Shibani, AFP reports.

But this month's outbreak of deadly violence, the worst since Assad was toppled in December, has shaken confidence in the new Islamist-led authorities.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Brussels was increasing its commitment for this year and next to almost €2.5 billion to help people in Syria and neighbouring countries.

"Syrians need more support, whether they are still abroad or have decided to go home," Von der Leyen told the Brussels conference. 

The pledge from Brussels complements significant contributions from individual countries, including around €302 million from Germany and €192 million from the UK.

Last year's donation campaign raised €7.5 billion in grants and loans to help Syria's population. This year's total will be announced later.

Efforts to reach that level this time look set to be affected by US President Donald Trump's decision to cut Washington's foreign aid budget.

According to the UN, the US has been the largest single donor to fund humanitarian efforts in Syria so far.

Syria's new rulers, led by former Islamist rebel commander Ahmed al-Sharaa, are pushing for aid to help rebuild the country. | BGNES