European Union and the United States are focusing on Turkey’s multifaceted role in Syria’s future. Donald Trump acknowledges Ankara’s pivotal influence, crediting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan with both the downfall of Bashar al-Assad and meeting a longstanding goal. Discussions between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Erdoğan emphasized security and refugee issues, with Erdoğan seeking further EU support for Syrian refugee returns. Von der Leyen announced an additional one billion euros in aid for refugees hosted by Turkey and plans to strengthen ties with Syria’s new leadership.