Donor Nations Pledge €5.8 Billion to Aid Syria

Donor countries, including the European Union, have pledged €5.8 billion in aid to Syria, a commitment slightly reduced from previous promises due to the absence of contributions from the United States.

European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Suica, proudly announced, "Together, we have pledged a total of €5.8 billion, comprising €4.2 billion in grants and €1.6 billion in loans." The European Union committed approximately €2.5 billion ($2.7 billion) to aid Syria's social and economic recovery and support its transitional processes through the next year.

During the opening session of the ninth Donors' Conference for Syria in Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the Syrians' need for increased support, whether they remain abroad or decide to return home. "That is why the EU is increasing its pledge to help Syrians in the country and the region, reaching around €2.5 billion for 2025 and 2026, which also includes addressing urgent humanitarian needs in Syria, and in hosting communities across Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Turkey," she stated.

She mentioned that "the road to reconciliation and recovery remains long," highlighting the encouraging steps, including the signing of a constitutional declaration by President Ahmed Al-Shar and the "historic agreement" between the central authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces. However, she cautioned that the situation in Syria remains fragile, stressing the importance of the Syrian authorities committing to justice for acts of violence and protecting minorities, as well as forming an inclusive government for reconciliation.

Assad Al-Sheibani, Syrian Foreign Minister, emphasized the government's ongoing efforts towards accountability, particularly over the past 14 years, through a national independent transitional justice system. He appreciated the EU's suspension of certain sanctions in critical sectors such as energy and transport but noted that "these measures have not yet reached the level of the Syrian people's aspirations for a swift resumption of normal life."

The conference, hosted by the EU in Brussels, titled "Standing with Syria - Meeting Needs - Successful Transition," followed the conclusion of the EU member states' foreign ministers' meetings. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a video message, urged the international community to reconsider sanctions imposed on Syria, highlighting a pivotal moment for Syrians to realize their aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive future. He underscored the dire need for increased humanitarian aid and reconsideration of funding cuts during this critical period, with the Syrian economy suffering approximately $800 billion in damages since the conflict began in 2011.