Syria’s interim government will attend the EU aid conference amidst ongoing humanitarian crises and political transitions following Assad’s overthrow. This year’s conference aims to engage the new government while addressing significant humanitarian needs. Last year’s pledges totaled €7.5 billion, vital for the 16.5 million people needing aid.
In a significant development, Syria’s interim government will participate in the annual EU aid pledging conference on Monday, amid severe humanitarian challenges and a fraught political landscape following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. Since 2017, the European Union has hosted this conference in Brussels, which had thus far excluded Assad’s regime due to its actions in the ongoing civil war.
Following Assad’s removal in December, EU officials view this conference as an opportunity for a new beginning. Despite ongoing violence that has recently escalated between the new Islamist rulers and Assad loyalists, there is cautious optimism about the future. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged, “This is a time of dire needs and challenges for Syria… but it is also a time of hope.”
Kallas referred to an agreement on March 10 to incorporate the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into new governmental structures as a positive step. However, engagement with the new government is contingent upon their commitment to an inclusive and peaceful transition, given the controversial nature of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group leading this change, which is labeled a terrorist organization by the United Nations.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani is anticipated to represent the interim government, alongside various European and Arab officials, as well as representatives from international organizations. This conference is particularly crucial, especially in light of significant funding reductions by the United States under President Trump’s administration for humanitarian efforts.
Last year, the conference resulted in pledges totaling 7.5 billion euros (approximately $8.1 billion), with the EU committing 2.12 billion euros for 2024 and 2025. Currently, about 16.5 million individuals in Syria require humanitarian assistance, with 12.9 million lacking adequate food resources. The destruction wrought by the civil war has been exacerbated by ongoing economic turmoil, severely impacting the Syrian populace’s living conditions.
The participation of Syria’s interim government in the forthcoming EU aid conference marks a pivotal moment in the country’s ongoing humanitarian crisis and political transition. With significant pledges anticipated and a new governance structure being explored, EU officials aim to foster an inclusive and peaceful environment despite the prevailing violence and economic hardship. This conference represents a crucial step towards addressing the urgent needs of the Syrian population.
Original Source: www.france24.com
