International Donors Pledge €5.8 Billion to Rebuild Syria Under New Leadership

International donors pledged €5.8 billion for Syria’s reconstruction, focusing on aid for new leadership post-Assad’s ouster. The European Commission announced €2.5 billion in additional support. Contributions from various countries came amid concerns over reduced US assistance. The humanitarian crisis persists, with 16.7 million people needing aid and the EU adjusting sanctions conditional on the new government’s promises.

International donors convened in Brussels to pledge nearly €6 billion ($6.5 billion) in aid for Syria, aiming to assist new leadership in reconstructing the nation following President Bashar Assad’s ousting in December. This year marks the first time Syrian authorities were represented at the conference, with interim Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shibani attending. Donors are keen to restore stability after 14 years of civil conflict that has resulted in millions of refugees.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Union is committed to increasing aid to approximately €2.5 billion for this year and next, focusing on support both for those still abroad and those returning to Syria. The European Commission’s total pledge comprises about €4.2 billion in grants and €1.6 billion in low-interest loans. “Syrians need greater support, whether they are still abroad, or they decide to go home,” von der Leyen emphasized.

Donations from various countries made significant contributions, including around €300 million from Germany and €192 million from Britain. However, the overall donation efforts are hindered by US aid cuts under President Trump. Natasha Franceschi, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Levant and Syria, highlighted that the US has been the largest contributor to Syrian assistance but did not announce any new pledges.

The EU and other nations are wary of taking on additional burdens due to budget reallocations towards defense. EU Crisis Management Commissioner Hadja Lahbib stated, “We will give more, but we cannot fill the gap left by the US.” Meanwhile, newly formed authorities in Syria have requested substantial support for national recovery efforts.

The European Union has slightly lifted sanctions on certain economic sectors while insisting on accountability for the newly formed government. Al-Shibani expressed appreciation for the EU’s actions but stated that more progress is needed for their recovery. He emphasized the importance of justice for civil crimes committed during the conflict and reaffirmed the commitment to citizenship for all Syrian people, regardless of their background.

Syria faces severe humanitarian challenges, with the UN estimating that 16.7 million people require urgent aid. With large parts of the nation in ruins and enduring economic sanctions, the urgency for international collaboration on reconstruction is critical.

The pledging of nearly €6 billion in aid from international donors signifies a collective effort to support Syria’s reconstruction under new leadership following a protracted civil war. With ongoing violence and a dire humanitarian crisis, the commitment to aid reflects the urgency for stability and recovery. Notably, the absence of new US contributions underscores the necessity of international cooperation to address Syria’s substantial needs. The EU’s willingness to ease sanctions may foster a conducive environment for rebuilding, contingent on the new authorities’ commitment to inclusive governance and accountability.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr