Instability in Syria could pose security risks for Europe, according to a draft internal EU counter-terrorism document seen by Reuters warning that the overall terror threat level remains high.

In December, a consortium of rebel factions led by the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham unexpectedly toppled the dictator Bashar al-Assad, whose family had ruled Syria for five decades. The new regime in Damascus inherited a country ruined by a 13-year civil war.

Shara, speaking during his first visit to Europe, said the talks were aimed at de-escalating tensions amid continued Israeli attacks inside Syria.

France's president said on Wednesday he would urge the EU to end sanctions on Syria when they come up for renewal in June and lobby the U.S. to follow suit as well as keep its troops there to ensure Syria's stability.

PARIS (AP) — Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa arrived in Paris on Wednesday for talks with President Emmanuel Macron. It’s his first trip to Europe since taking office in January, and a possible opening to broader ties with Western countries.

PARIS — Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa is visiting Paris on Wednesday for talks with President Emmanuel Macron . It’s his first trip to Europe since taking office in January, and a possible opening to broader ties with Western countries.

The situation in Syria could pose security risks for Europe, according to a draft internal European Union counterterrorism document seen by Reuters which warned that the terror threat level in the bloc remains high.