Western and regional powers are desperate to steer Syria onto the road to stability after 14 years of civil war that have sent millions of refugees over its borders. The drop came despite European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen saying Brussels was stepping up its commitment for this year and next to almost 2.5 billion euros ($2.7 billion) to help those in Syria and neighbouring countries. Syria’s new rulers — headed by former Islamist rebel commander Ahmed al-Sharaa — have been clamouring for assistance to help the country’s recovery. US representative Natasha Franceschi did not specify whether the US was promising any funds, but insisted other countries needed to do more. If you adored this short article and you would such as to get even more information relating to Facebook kindly see the internet site. That was down on the 7.5 billion promised overall at the conference last year. But an outbreak of deadly violence this month — the worst since Assad was toppled in December — has rocked confidence in the new Islamist-led authorities. Overall the EU said international donors pledged 5.8 billion euros ($6.3 billion), consisting of 4.2 billion euros in grants and 1.6 billion in loans. But US President Donald Trump’s slashing of Washington’s aid budget appeared to have an impact. The EU has eased sanctions on key sectors of the economy, but along with other powers it insists the authorities must make good on promises for an inclusive transition. The vow from Brussels came on top of significant contributions from individual countries, including some $330 million from Germany and $210 million from Britain. For the first time, the Syrian authorities were represented at the annual aid conference in Brussels — with interim foreign minister Assaad al-Shibani attending.

Sterling Silver Lockets

There have been positive moves from Damascus, including Sharaa signing a constitutional declaration laying out a five-year transitional period, with rights for women and freedom of expression. Syria’s needs are massive as swathes of the country lie in ruins and the economy has been ravaged by years of international isolation after Assad’s 2011 crackdown on opposition sparked the civil war. Shibani insisted that the new authorities would bring to justice “anyone who perpetrated any crime, whose hands are stained with blood”. The EU has held its annual donor drive for Syria for the past eight years but it mainly focused on supporting refugees in neighbouring countries and avoided any contacts with the Assad regime. The country still faces a dire humanitarian situation, with an estimated 16.7 million people in need of assistance. Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross. The United Nations says that, at current growth rates, Syria would need more than 50 years to get back to its economic level before the outbreak of the war. But hopes were shaken by the violence on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, which a war monitor said saw security forces kill nearly 1,500 civilians, most of them members of the Alawite minority to which the Assad family belongs.

If you’re as magpie-like about jewellery as I am, you’ll always be on the lookout for new brands and original pieces to add to your collection. Their goal is to make pieces that ‘will be your go-to for years to come’. All Grove & Vae jewellery is designed in London, and created using 14k gold vermeil and rhodium-plated sterling silver. Her signature T-bar necklaces have been worn by the likes of Taylor Swift. Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand. There are so many amazing affordable and mid-range jewellery brands out there today, with a plethora of choice no matter what your style. This British brand was launched in the autumn of 2024 by Tofi Caroline Adedoyin, a former investment banking director. If you love keeping things unique and prefer to shop independent, these jewellery brands are worth checking out and keeping in mind for your next purchase. But along with the prominent brands we all know and love, there are a load of under-the-radar gems (no pun intended) out there just waiting to be discovered. Tilly Sveaas founded her eponymous brand in 2016. Born in Hong Kong to British-Norwegian parents, London-based Tilly has been a jewellery designer for over 25 years, creating her first pieces during an extended trip to Bali, where she still produces to this day. The brand’s founders, sisters Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg, believe you shouldn’t just save beautiful jewellery for best, so the sculptural rings and earrings are as practical as they are elegant.

The brand focuses on creating timeless, versatile pieces tailored to the modern woman’s everyday wardrobe. Think timeless glamour meets modern minimalism, without the unattainable price tag. Catherine ‘Catch’ Rhys Jones started her label out of a frustration with the jewellery she was buying. Founded by Amelia Hitchcock-Merritt in the middle of lockdown at just eighteen, Bijoux De Mimi became one of the fastest growing jewellery brands in the UK. The pieces are gorgeous too – from delicate pendants to eye-catching hoops, available in either 18ct gold vermeil or sterling (see page) silver. Items are produced in developing countries, giving the artisans income to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery. Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins. After working in the jewellery industry for 10 years, Amelia Bainbridge saw a gap in the market for jewellery that was both beautiful and affordable – and Auree was born in 2014. All Auree pieces are made with the highest quality solid gold, sterling silver or gold vermeil and natural gemstones. Crystals & Co. founders (and best friends) Emily Mackeogh and Leah O’Reilly aim to accessorise peoples lives with fun, high quality affordable jewellery. It always came with lengthy care instructions and still tarnished after only a few wears or turned my skin green’ she says. The brand uses solid metals – not plated or vermeil, and promises no green fingers or brass rash. Made by small workshops all over the world, each piece holds a story. With Love Darling believes in changing the world one piece of jewellery at a time. I was tired of sacrificing style for quality, or my bank account for both’ says Neima Row founder Naomi Genes. So she decided to make her own.