EU Commits €2.5 Billion for Syria’s Transition and Recovery

The EU has pledged nearly €2.5 billion for Syria’s transition and recovery through 2026. The funding increase supports Syrian refugees and vulnerable communities in neighboring countries. The conference emphasized the need for Syrian-led initiatives and included calls for the removal of sanctions to improve regional stability.

On Monday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a significant commitment from the EU, pledging nearly €2.5 billion for 2025 and 2026 to support Syria’s transition process and socio-economic recovery. This announcement was made at the ninth edition of the Brussels Conference, themed “Standing with Syria: Meeting the Needs for a Successful Transition,” which included participation from Syria’s transitional authorities and was hosted by the European Union.

For 2025, the EU increased its financial pledge from €560 million to €720.5 million, aiming to bolster aid for the Syrian population and refugees, as well as vulnerable communities in Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq. Additionally, the EU dedicated €600 million for 2026 for these countries and allocated €1.1 billion for Syrian refugees and vulnerable communities in Turkiye over the same period.

The conference is designed to improve coordination among international partners and UN agencies, ensuring that the provided assistance supports Syria’s recovery effectively. The overarching goal remains to ensure that efforts are both Syrian-led and owned by the Syrian people.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani addressed the conference, calling for the removal of sanctions and emphasizing the importance of reconstruction. He stated, “The stability of Syria positively impacts the stability of the region and the world.”

The European Union has made a pivotal financial commitment towards Syria, with a total pledge nearing €2.5 billion for the upcoming years. This funding aims to support not only the Syrian population but also refugees and vulnerable communities in the region. The importance of a Syrian-led recovery process was stressed, along with calls for sanction relief to enhance stability in the region.

Original Source: shafaq.com