BRUSSELS - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday reaffirmed the European Union's (EU) commitment to supporting Syria's recovery and political transition.

Delivering a speech at the 9th Brussels Conference on Syria, von der Leyen emphasized that the path to reconciliation and recovery remains long.

Noting that the EU will increase its financial support for Syrians, she called on international partners to do the same. "Syrians need greater support, whether they are still abroad or they decide to go home," she said.

Kaja Kallas, the high representative for foreign affairs and security policy of the European Commission, expressed concern at a press conference on Monday over the ongoing violence in Syria while emphasizing the possibility of the EU further easing sanctions.