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Italy Leads Efforts to Change European Policy Towards Damascus Regime
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EU efforts to communicate with Syrian regime represent a new diplomatic turning point, focusing on refugee file as an entry point for normalizing relations

Italian newspaper "Il Foglio" revealed Rome's success in convincing the European Union to appoint a special envoy to Syria, highlighting the selection of former Austrian ambassador Christian Berger for the position.
The newspaper detailed the assignment by EU foreign policy representative Josep Borrell of the Austrian diplomat as EU special envoy to Syria.
The report highlighted Berger's extensive experience in Syrian affairs, noting his previous position as EU ambassador to Turkey and his current role in Egypt, which he is preparing to leave after four years.
The newspaper considered the European decision a result of Italian diplomatic efforts in Brussels, noting Rome's pivotal role in efforts to normalize relations with the Syrian regime.
The newspaper revealed efforts to convince German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to recognize "safe zones" in Syria for refugee return, confirming Berlin's openness to dialogue with the Syrian regime regarding migration.
European Commission Foreign Affairs spokesperson Nabila Massrali announced the Commission's efforts to appoint a special envoy to Syria, coinciding with efforts by eight European countries to restore communication with Damascus.
The announcement coincided with European discussions on the Syrian file, as Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, who advocates reviewing European policies towards Syria, held meetings with European leaders to urge them to support refugee return.
It's worth noting that the appointment of a European special envoy to Syria comes amid regional and international shifts towards Damascus, as recent months have witnessed Arab initiatives to restore relations with the Syrian regime.
The European Union faces increasing pressure to find solutions for Syrian refugees, who number over one million in Germany alone, pushing some member states to seek new approaches in dealing with Damascus.
Levant-Agencies
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Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
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Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”
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