Syria is facing dire humanitarian problems and an uncertain political transition after the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

Germany on Monday kicked off a new pledging round of aid for Syria, as the EU hosts a donor drive for the war-torn country after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad. For the first time, the Syrian authorities will be represented at the annual conference in Brussels -- with interim foreign minister Assaad al-Shibani set to attend.

The ninth edition of the EU's yearly conference in support of Syria kicks off in Brussels on Monday. For the first time, the country itself will be formally represented, by members of the interim government.