EU-Syria Reset: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas met Syria’s FM Asaad al-Shaibani in Damascus, saying the bloc wants to “upgrade” its partnership and boost recovery and investment, but only if Damascus delivers reforms, security, rule of law and institutional improvements. Diplomatic Pressure on Israel: Al-Shaibani urged the EU to translate concern into concrete pressure to stop Israeli attacks and demanded withdrawal to Dec. 8, 2024 lines, while reiterating Syria’s position on the Golan. Energy Disruption in the East: Sabotage blamed for a fire on a Deir ez-Zor gas pipeline halted gas flows from the Jbessa/Al-Jabsah plant to power stations, worsening an already fragile supply situation. Border Trade Upgrade: Syria began work on the Qamishli–Nusaybin border crossing with Türkiye, aiming to expand cargo, transit, customs and passenger facilities. Markets & Finance Signals: Abu Dhabi’s ADX signed MoUs with Egypt’s EGX and Damascus’ DSE to explore cross-border trading and potential integration into Tabadul. Sanctions Relief (Japan): Japan partially lifted asset-freezing measures on 16 Syrian entities, including major telecom and oil-related firms, while keeping restrictions on others. Refugee Funding Warning: UNHCR says severe funding cuts put nearly 8.3 million displaced people at risk of losing access to aid.