Donors pledged 5.8 billion euros for Syria during the Brussels IX Conference, a decrease from last year’s 7.5 billion. The EU led the contributions, but U.S. funding has declined, impacting support. The humanitarian crisis within Syria remains severe, with millions in need of assistance as the country seeks recovery amidst ongoing violence and political challenges.
At the Brussels IX Conference on March 17, 2025, held in the Europa Building, donors pledged 5.8 billion euros ($6.3 billion) in aid for Syria. This amount marks a decrease from the previous year’s total of 7.5 billion euros. The faltering financial support follows a decline in United States funding, influencing overall contributions to the war-torn country.
The European Union took a prominent role in the aid commitment, attributing 4.2 billion euros to grants and 1.6 billion euros to loans. The EU’s commitment includes a promise of nearly 2.5 billion euros by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. She emphasized the need for greater support for Syrians, whether they remain abroad or return home.
U.S. support, historically significant, has diminished under current policies, with U.S. representative Natasha Franceschi unable to confirm new aid pledges. Notably, she reiterated that other nations must also contribute as the U.S. has delivered over $18.3 billion in assistance over the past 14 years, signaling the need for shared responsibility.
The humanitarian situation in Syria remains dire, with around 16.7 million individuals requiring assistance due to years of civil conflict and economic decline. Key political figures, including Syria’s interim Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shibani, have sought international support and emphasized the necessity for easing sanctions to facilitate recovery and stability.
Despite some positive legal reforms introduced by Syria’s new government, recent violent outbreaks have heightened instability. Al-Shibani has called for accountability for violence and urged for national unity while addressing the atrocities faced by many civilians. The European Union has conducted its annual donor drives primarily aimed at supporting refugees, largely steering clear of direct engagement with the Assad regime due to ongoing tensions stemming from the civil war.
Mirjana Spoljaric of the International Committee of the Red Cross underscored the essential role humanitarian aid plays, stressing that retracting assistance would exacerbate the plight of countless Syrians still reliant on support. The United Nations warns that without sustained aid, Syria could take over 50 years to restore its pre-war economic conditions.
In conclusion, the recent pledge of 5.8 billion euros for Syria highlights a significant reduction compared to prior years, reflecting diminished U.S. support and ongoing instability within the region. Urgent humanitarian needs persist, with millions requiring assistance amidst a challenging political landscape. The international community is urged to continue supporting recovery efforts, ensuring aid remains vital for the survival and rehabilitation of the Syrian people.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
