Syria to receive 2.5b euros in EU aid to support post-war recovery
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi attend the ninth Brussels conference 'Standing with Syria', hosted by the European Union, in Brussels, Belgium. PHOTO: REUTERS
The European Union (EU) hosted a one-day donor conference in Brussels on Monday, bringing together Western powers and regional neighbours to discuss Syria’s post-civil war reconstruction.
The event, chaired by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, was aimed at encouraging a peaceful transition following the ousting of former leader Bashar al-Assad.
Syria has been devastated by over 14 years of civil war, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, displaced millions, and destroyed much of the country’s infrastructure. The EU pledged around 2.5 billion euros ($2.7 billion) in aid for Syria, to be distributed over the next two years.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the importance of supporting Syrians, whether they remain abroad or return home. "This is why today, the European Union is increasing its pledge for Syrians in the country and in the region," she said.
Germany also stepped up its support, with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announcing an additional 300 million euros ($328 million) for the United Nations and other humanitarian organisations helping Syrians. Baerbock emphasised that Syria could only have a peaceful future through an inclusive political process.
The UK pledged up to 160 million British pounds ($208 million) in humanitarian aid, aimed at providing critical services such as food, water, healthcare, and education for Syrians in 2025.
Despite last year’s donor drive raising 7.5 billion euros ($8.2 billion), the current funding efforts are expected to fall short, especially after the United States reduced its foreign aid budget.
However, Syria's attendance at the meeting was notable, with interim Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani representing the country for the first time at such a conference.
Meanwhile, Syria continues to struggle with internal divisions and violence. Just last week, a deadly ambush by Alawite sect gunmen loyal to al-Assad resulted in the worst bloodshed since his ousting in December. Nearly 1,500 civilians, mostly from the Alawite minority, were killed in the clashes, according to a war monitor.