EU Hosts First Syria Conference After Assad, Plans to Help Rebuild Country
The European Union (EU) held its 9th international conference to support Syria on Monday in Brussels. This was the first conference since the Assad regime fell.
Aid for Syria
For the first time, the Syrian government will join the yearly conference in Brussels, with Interim Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shibani attending.
The European Commission says the goal of the conference is to gather international support to help Syria move from needing aid to rebuilding its economy, in a way led by Syrians themselves. The EU also plans to support a future meeting in Damascus, bringing together Syrian civil society groups from inside the country and abroad.
The conference is happening while Syria’s situation is still unstable. Recently, violence broke out, making it the deadliest period since Assad was removed from power in December. A war monitoring group told Reuters that over 1,000 people have been killed.
At the conference, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said Germany will give another $326 million (€300 million) in aid to Syrians through the United Nations and other groups. She added that over half of the money will go directly to the Syrian people. The aid will help provide food, healthcare, emergency shelters, and protection for those most at risk. Syrian refugees and the communities hosting them in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Turkey will also receive support.
Previous support
The EU has hosted this conference for eight years, mainly focusing on helping Syrian refugees in nearby countries and avoiding contact with Assad’s government, reported AFP.
Since 2011, the EU and its member countries have provided over $40.3 billion in humanitarian, economic, and development aid to Syria.
In January 2025, after Assad was removed, the EU announced $256.1 million in new humanitarian aid for Syrians inside the country and in neighbouring countries.
In February, the EU said it is working to remove some restrictions on important parts of Syria’s economy to help the country recover and rebuild. By lifting these restrictions, the EU hopes to support a peaceful and inclusive political transition in Syria.
Published: 18th March 2025
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