The EU has pledged nearly 2.5 billion euros in aid for Syria at a donor conference in Brussels, representing an effort to aid the nation post-Assad’s ouster. Despite the pledge, concerns arise about funding levels compared to previous years, especially with diminishing U.S. support. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with millions in need of assistance, and Syria’s new government is requesting more aid to facilitate recovery.
On Monday, the European Union led a significant effort to pledge support for Syria during a donor drive in Brussels, promising nearly 2.5 billion euros (approximately $2.7 billion) in aid for the upcoming years. This funding aims to assist the war-torn nation and neighboring countries as they navigate the aftermath of Bashar al-Assad’s ouster. Despite the pledge, concerns remain that the call for funding may not match last year’s total, particularly due to diminishing U.S. support.
The donor conference saw the Syrian authorities represented for the first time, with interim foreign minister Assaad al-Shibani attending. However, recent outbreaks of violence have shaken confidence in the newly established Islamist-led regime. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for increased support to assist Syrians, both abroad and those returning home.
Individual contributions will complement the EU’s pledge, with Germany contributing approximately $330 million and Britain offering around $210 million. Last year’s donor drive successfully raised 7.5 billion euros, but expectations for this year’s total remain tentative, especially considering President Donald Trump’s cuts to Washington’s foreign aid budget, which has historically been the largest for humanitarian efforts in Syria.
Syria’s new leadership, spearheaded by former Islamist rebel commander Ahmed al-Sharaa, has expressed urgency for assistance to facilitate the nation’s recovery. Although the EU has implemented some sanctions relief, it insists on the need for the authorities to fulfill commitments to an inclusive transition. Shibani acknowledged the EU’s measures but urged for additional support to ensure Syria’s recovery.
Amid promising developments from Damascus, including a constitutional declaration promoting a five-year transitional period and advocating for women’s rights and freedom of expression, the violence near Syria’s coast raised significant concerns. Reports indicated that security forces had killed nearly 1,500 civilians, primarily from the Alawite minority. Shibani vowed that perpetrators of such crimes would be held accountable and reaffirmed the importance of citizenship for every individual in Syria.
Historically, the EU’s annual donor drives have prioritized support for refugees in neighboring nations while avoiding contact with the Assad regime. The humanitarian crisis in Syria remains dire, with an estimated 16.7 million individuals requiring assistance. Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, highlighted the critical nature of ongoing humanitarian aid, warning against disinvestment as it could exacerbate suffering and impede recovery. According to the United Nations, Syria would require over 50 years to restore its pre-war economic conditions at current growth rates.
In summation, the EU’s commitment to provide 2.5 billion euros in aid signifies an essential step toward supporting Syria in its recovery following the civil war. However, the support from various countries and the challenges posed by reduced U.S. funding will be crucial in determining the total effectiveness of this initiative. The ongoing humanitarian crisis necessitates continued attention and assistance, as millions of Syrians rely on aid for their survival and recovery.
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