Germany Commits Additional Support for Syria Ahead of EU Donor Conference

Germany has pledged an additional 300 million euros in aid for Syria as the EU prepares for a donor drive to assist in the nation’s recovery after prolonged conflict. This year’s conference will include Syrian authorities for the first time, amidst significant humanitarian needs and the challenges posed by recent violence and reduced U.S. support.

On Monday, Germany has announced a contribution of 300 million euros in aid for Syria, in anticipation of a European Union donor drive aimed at raising funds for the war-torn nation. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock indicated that this funding is intended to support the United Nations and selected organizations involved in the peaceful recovery processes within Syria and the surrounding region.

The forthcoming EU conference will gather international donors to finance Syria’s recovery post-Bashar al-Assad era. Notably, the Syrian authorities will attend for the first time, with interim foreign minister Assaad al-Shibani representing the regime. Additionally, Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yılmaz is expected to participate in this significant gathering in Brussels.

Western and regional powers are eager to promote stability in Syria, having endured 14 years of civil conflict, which has resulted in millions of refugees. Despite the hopes for progress, recent violence has undermined confidence in the new Islamist-led government, prompting officials to emphasize the need for a successful transition.

The EU has conducted its annual donor drive for Syria for eight consecutive years, traditionally focusing on support for refugees in neighboring countries while generally avoiding engagements with the Assad regime. However, this year presents a unique opportunity to pivot towards directly addressing Syria’s pervasive challenges, as cautioned by an EU official.

Syria faces extensive devastation, with its economy severely impacted by years of international isolation following the civil war sparked by Assad’s 2011 crackdown. The UN reports that the country requires over 50 years at current growth rates to recover its pre-war economic condition. Humanitarian needs remain acute, with approximately 16.7 million people requiring assistance.

The new leadership in Syria, led by former rebel commander Ahmed al-Sharaa, has been vocal about its need for aid to facilitate recovery. While the EU has relaxed sanctions on critical sectors, demands persist for the authorities to fulfill their commitment to an inclusive transition, following some promising moves in governance.

Despite some progress, violent incidents, including the killing of nearly 1,500 civilians in recent unrest, have raised concerns about the regime’s stability. Last year’s donor gathering secured 7.5 billion euros, but expectations for surpassing this amount could be hampered by the U.S. administration’s reduction in foreign aid allocations.

The U.S. has been the largest individual donor for humanitarian efforts in Syria, and with its reduced involvement, a European official noted that the reliance on a dual-pillar system for humanitarian aid is jeopardized. EU officials hope Arab nations in the Middle East will step in to mitigate funding gaps, with future conferences planned to focus on reconstruction funding in Syria.

In summary, Germany’s commitment of 300 million euros marks a significant step toward aiding Syria amidst a complex humanitarian crisis following years of civil conflict. The upcoming EU donor conference not only represents a shift in approach with the Syrian regime’s involvement but also highlights the urgent need for financial assistance to rebuild a ravaged economy and address dire humanitarian needs. With diminishing U.S. contributions, reliance on European and Middle Eastern cooperation will be critical for future support efforts in Syria.

Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com