The EU's third donor conference pledging humanitarian assistance for Syria.
Events of this type show that the EU can play a constructive, if limited, role in the international arena to assist Syrians as the war moves to the next stages.
Right-wing groups may become increasingly vocal in support of re-engagement with Assad.
Divisions will reflect the tightrope that member states will have to walk as they balance their interests and their values.
Russia will maintain pressure on EU states to recognise Assad’s victory and resume engagements with Damascus.
As long as sanctions remain, humanitarian agencies will feel the need to show that their work does not benefit the Assad regime.
Turkey will closely watch EU reconstruction assistance in areas liberated from Islamic State for fear of strengthening Kurdish forces.
