The EU has pledged 2.5 billion euros in aid for Syria amidst ongoing violence and reduced US support. This marks a pivotal conference with Syrian authorities’ participation. Individual contributions from countries like Germany and Britain bolster the effort. However, challenges loom over the stability of the new administration and the humanitarian crisis affecting millions.
The European Union (EU) has pledged approximately 2.5 billion euros ($2.7 billion) in aid during a recent donor conference in Brussels, targeting assistance for Syria following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The event marked a significant moment as Syrian authorities participated for the first time, represented by interim Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shibani. However, the recent surge in violence within Syria is raising concerns regarding the stability of the newly formed government.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for increased support for Syrians, whether they remain abroad or choose to return home. Alongside the EU’s commitment, individual nations such as Germany and Britain have also contributed significantly, pledging $330 million and $210 million, respectively. Contrarily, this year’s funding efforts may suffer due to diminished support from the United States, a historically major donor.
The newly established Syrian leadership, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, is advocating for further assistance for national recovery while acknowledging the EU’s recent sanction relief measures. They claim, however, that these steps do not meet their expectations. Shibani remarked on the need for additional measures to secure a sustainable recovery for Syria.
Despite some advances from Damascus, such as proposed constitutional reforms and declarations promoting women’s rights, the ongoing violence, which has reportedly resulted in civilian casualties among the Alawite minority, casts a shadow on these developments. Shibani expressed a commitment to justice for crimes committed during the conflict and insisted on the importance of citizenship for all Syrians, irrespective of their background.
Historically, the EU’s annual donor drive has prioritized supporting refugees in neighboring countries and has had limited engagement with the Assad regime. The extensive devastation in Syria from years of civil unrest demands urgent humanitarian action, with approximately 16.7 million individuals currently in need of assistance.
Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, cautioned against reduced investment in humanitarian operations in Syria, stressing that such a move could worsen the already dire situation. Furthermore, the United Nations estimates that, without significant economic growth, it would take over five decades for Syria to return to pre-war economic conditions.
The European Union’s commitment of 2.5 billion euros aims to support the recovery efforts in Syria following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. This pledge reflects the EU’s recognition of the severe humanitarian crisis that persists in the country. While individual nations have contributed further, reduced assistance from the United States presents a challenge. Continuous violence and unrest highlight the fragility of the new government’s authority and the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to facilitate recovery and stability in Syria.
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