EU Hosts Donor Conference to Support Post-Assad Syria Recovery

The European Union is hosting a donor conference in Brussels to support Syria’s recovery, with Syrian authorities participating for the first time. The event aims to secure funding amid pressing humanitarian needs while addressing concerns about reduced U.S. aid. Increased contributions from Middle Eastern countries may be necessary as the situation evolves.

On Monday, the European Union will convene international donors in Brussels to secure funding for Syria’s recovery following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Notably, Syrian interim Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shibani will participate, marking the first presence of Syrian authorities at this annual gathering. The EU’s objective is to support Syria’s transition towards stability after 14 years of civil strife, exacerbated by recent violence, which has undermined trust in the new authorities.

This year’s conference diverges from previous ones, which primarily focused on supporting refugees in neighboring countries while avoiding engagement with the Assad regime. An EU official remarked, “It’s a window of opportunity. It’s not very, very wide open.” Hence, the urgency is to act promptly to meet Syria’s substantial recovery needs, especially given the humanitarian crisis affecting 16.7 million people.

Syria’s new leadership, under former rebel commander Ahmed al-Sharaa, has called for support amidst ongoing humanitarian challenges. The EU has revised its sanctions, allowing for aid while emphasizing that the interim government must fulfill its commitment to an inclusive transition. Despite some progress, recent violence on Syria’s Mediterranean coast has raised concerns about stability and security, including reports of civilian casualties.

Last year’s donor drive generated approximately €7.5 billion ($8.2 billion) for Syria, yet hopes for surpassing this figure may be hindered by the anticipated reduction in U.S. foreign aid. Historically, the United States has been a principal donor, and the decrease in funding may create a void. There are expectations that Middle Eastern Arab nations will contribute to address this funding gap, while plans for future conferences aimed at reconstruction funding are also in the works.

The EU’s forthcoming donor conference represents a critical opportunity to foster support for Syria’s recovery post-Assad. The participation of Syrian leaders underscores a shift in strategy, whilst the pressing humanitarian needs remain a focal point. Nevertheless, the potential decline in U.S. contributions poses challenges that must be addressed, potentially calling for increased support from regional allies. The outcomes of this conference could significantly impact Syria’s path towards stability and rehabilitation.

Original Source: www.france24.com