The European Union has pledged 2.5 billion euros for Syria’s recovery during a donor meeting in Brussels. The conference aimed at supporting a peaceful transition post-Bashar al-Assad included pledges from Germany and the UK. Despite significant commitments, challenges remain due to ongoing violence and reduced U.S. foreign aid budgets.
The European Union organized a donor drive in Brussels aimed at facilitating Syria’s recovery following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. This initiative engaged various Western and regional powers to discuss support for a peaceful transition in the war-torn nation. The meeting, led by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, gathered significant attention amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis stemming from fourteen years of civil conflict.
In a reaffirmation of its commitment, the European Union announced a pledge of 2.5 billion euros (approximately $2.7 billion) in aid to Syria for the years 2025 and 2026. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for increased support for Syrians, whether they remain abroad or choose to return home.
In addition, Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock declared an additional provision of 300 million euros (around $328 million) to various humanitarian organizations assisting the Syrian population. Baerbock underscored the necessity of an inclusive political dialogue for Syria’s future peace and stability.
The United Kingdom also contributed by pledging up to 160 million British pounds (approximately $208 million) in humanitarian assistance aimed at supporting crucial needs, including water, food, healthcare, and education for Syrians in 2025. However, last year’s donations totaled 7.5 billion euros, an amount believed to be difficult to surpass due to reductions in the U.S. foreign aid budget.
Notably, for the first time, Syria’s political representation, facilitated by interim Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, participated in the donor meeting. This gathering marked the ninth of its kind, highlighting the Syrian leadership’s efforts to regain control over a nation that has suffered significant fragmentation.
The meeting’s context was further underscored by recent violence, including a deadly ambush linked to Alawite forces loyal to al-Assad, which resulted in over 1,500 civilian deaths in recent clashes, intensifying concerns about the country’s stability and humanitarian situation.
In summary, the EU’s pledge of 2.5 billion euros to Syria represents a significant commitment to aiding the nation as it navigates challenging post-war recovery and political transition. With contributions from Germany and the UK, alongside Syria’s first-time representation at such conferences, the international community is showing a renewed focus on facilitating peace in the region. However, ongoing violence and challenges in securing high levels of foreign aid signal that the journey towards stability and rehabilitation remains fraught with difficulties.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
