Germany Commits €50 Mln for Syria Relief

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock pledged €50 million in humanitarian aid for Syria during a regional conference in Riyadh, addressing critical needs after 13 years of civil war.

The aid will support food, emergency shelters, and medical care for vulnerable Syrians.

Baerbock emphasized that sanctions targeting allies of former dictator Bashar al-Assad, responsible for grave crimes during the conflict, must remain intact. However, she advocated for a "smart approach" to easing restrictions where they hinder urgent recovery efforts.

The conference, also attended by Syrian interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, marked a pivotal moment as global powers evaluate sanctions amid Syria's post-Assad transition.

Baerbock underscored that lifting EU sanctions depends on progress toward an inclusive political process in Syria.

The European Union and the United States are actively reassessing policies. EU foreign ministers plan to convene in Brussels to discuss relief priorities, including sanctions impeding reconstruction and financial access.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury Department recently eased restrictions on essential services, signaling a cautious approach to broader policy changes. According to the United Nations, 70% of Syrians now rely on humanitarian assistance. 

Interim Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has urged Western governments to relax sanctions to facilitate recovery, but international stakeholders demand tangible steps toward inclusivity and minority protection before further measures are considered.