International donors pledged €5.8 billion in aid at a conference in Brussels to support Syria’s reconstruction after the ousting of President Bashar Assad. The meeting, attended by new Syrian authorities, reflects a commitment to stabilize the country amid ongoing violence and humanitarian crises. The European Commission announced significant financial contributions while emphasizing the need for collective responsibility among international partners.
International donors convened in Brussels to pledge nearly €6 billion ($6.5 billion) in aid aimed at assisting new leaders in the reconstruction of Syria following the ouster of President Bashar Assad in December. The commitment reflects a desire among Western and regional powers to stabilize Syria after 14 years of civil conflict, which has resulted in millions of refugees.
The annual conference marked a significant moment, as for the first time, Syrian authorities were present, represented by interim Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shibani. However, the recent outbreak of violence in Syria has raised concerns and shaken confidence in the newly established Islamist-led government.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that Brussels would increase its contributions to nearly €2.5 billion for this year and next to assist those in Syria and neighboring nations. The total pledge includes €4.2 billion in grants and €1.6 billion in low-interest loans, emphasizing the alliance’s commitment to support Syrian citizens.
Notably, the United States did not make any new financial pledges despite its historical role as a leading donor to Syrian humanitarian efforts. U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary Natasha Franceschi remarked that the U.S. has provided substantial assistance but refrained from committing additional resources due to ongoing foreign aid budget reviews under the current administration.
As European nations, including Germany and Britain, confirm their contributions, the EU Crisis Management Commissioner, Hadja Lahbib, cautioned that they cannot fully compensate for the assistance previously supplied by the U.S., highlighting the need for collective responsibility among all donor nations.
The Syrian leadership, under former Islamist rebel commander Ahmed al-Sharaa, expressed a pressing need for aid to facilitate recovery efforts. While the EU has eased sanctions on specific economic sectors, it remains firm on requiring the new authorities to fulfill promises for an inclusive transitional process.
Al-Shibani noted the importance of lifting sanctions but indicated that current measures have not fully met their expectations. Although recent governmental actions have been viewed positively, the resurgence of violence against civilians, particularly targeting the Alawite minority, raises serious doubts about progress.
The EU has traditionally focused its annual donor drives on assisting Syrian refugees abroad, largely avoiding engagement with the Assad regime. The scale of humanitarian needs in Syria is profound, with the United Nations estimating around 16.7 million citizens require immediate support due to years of devastation and economic struggle.
The recent pledge of nearly €6 billion in aid from international donors signifies a collaborative attempt to assist in the rebuilding of Syria following the removal of President Bashar Assad. While new leaders express readiness for transformation and increased support, the recent uptick in violence raises critical concerns about stability and governance in the region. Collective efforts from various nations will be essential as they navigate both humanitarian needs and the political intricacies of Syria’s future.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
