The European Union and its Member States remain the biggest donor for Syria, pledging a total of €5.8 billion in grants and loans at the Syrian Donor Conference. European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica announced the final figure on Monday, confirming that the EU and its Member States represent around 80% of the total pledged amount.
“I have the honor to announce that together we have pledged a total of €5.8 billion in grants and loans, including €4.2 billion in grants and €1.6 billion in loans,”
Suica stated.
She also highlighted an additional €1.6 billion in concessional loans from international financial institutions and donors, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to supporting Syria and its neighboring countries.
“The European Union and Member States remain the biggest donor, representing about 80% of the pledge,”
She said, extending her gratitude to donors.
“Your generosity, your efforts in mobilizing resources, and exploring every possible avenue to support Syria and its neighbouring countries are profoundly appreciated.”
Ministers and representatives from Western nations, Syria’s neighboring countries, other Arab states, and U.N. agencies on Monday took part in a hastily arranged one-day meeting in Brussels. The European Union organized the event in response to the ongoing changes in the country.
A Commitment to Rebuilding Syria
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the significance of this moment for Syria and said that:
“Today the dreams and aspirations of the Syrian people are no longer on hold. For the first time in decades, Syria’s hope can become reality.”
Von der Leyen also welcomed both progress and instability in Syria, and pointed to the signing of a constitutional declaration by interim President al-Sharaa as a significant step toward political transition::
“As is the signing of a constitutional declaration by interim President al-Sharaa,”
She said, emphasizing its importance for shaping an inclusive government.
However, von der Leyen also called attention on the continued violence in Syria’s coastal region, suggesting that the situation is still fragile.
“The attacks on security forces and the violence against civilians in Syria’s coastal region show that the situation remains fragile,”
She said.
She stressed that the Syrian authorities’ commitment to justice and inclusion will be critical in ensuring stability.
“The Syrian authorities’ commitment to bring the perpetrators to justice, to protect minorities, and form an inclusive government – all of this is vital for reconciliation,”
von der Leyen added.
Political Challenges and Misinformation
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged the complexity of Syria’s transition, stating:
“Syria faces a colossal transition and there are inevitable challenges with this. The transition is highly complex. Socioeconomic distress, insecurity, political challenges are all interconnected.”
She reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to accountability and justice, emphasizing that
“Justice and reconciliation are fundamental parts of transition. The people of Syria have lived through decades of horror. It’s high time that all Syrians can live safely in peace.”
Kallas also warned of actors working against Syria’s transition, saying:
“Not all parties want the transition in Syria to succeed. These parties include Daesh and Assad loyalists, but also Russia and Iran who supported Assad’s regime.”
Addressing the role of misinformation, she cautioned,
“We see malign attempts to derail the transition,be it by fueling violence or information manipulation online. The recent violence in Syria is a perfect example of the dangerous consequences of this.”
She announced that the EU is hosting a conference on this issue on Wednesday, stressing the dangers of external actors amplifying tensions:
“Who really gains from this? Because the people of Syria pay for all of this with their lives.”
A Call for International Solidarity
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani underlined the historical significance of this moment, stating,
“The Syrian people have to deal with the legacy of the harm left behind. We have a responsibility. It is indeed a genuine opportunity to strengthen international efforts to help us face the challenges. In the spirit of solidarity and collaboration, this meeting of ours is different from other previous meetings. Because this meeting of ours is different from others, because the situation in Syria is different. It is fully and genuinely represented.”
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi highlighted the urgent need for international aid to support Syria’s transition, saying:
“The Syrian people deserve to live in peace and dignity after decades of suffering. International help is key as they grapple with the legacy of one of the darkest chapters in their history and begin the rebuilding process. A stable and safe Syria is in the interest of all in the region and beyond. Therefore, it is imperative that international support flows quickly and steadily.”
He called for the lifting of sanctions, stressing that
“early recovery projects are essential at this point.”
He highlighted that international funding should focus on key sectors that sustain institutions and improve living conditions, saying:
“Investment in energy, housing, health, and medical sectors, among others, must be a priority. Early recovery projects that provide houses, schools, hospitals, and create job opportunities are essential for creating conditions conducive to the voluntary return of refugees.”
Syria’s Sovereignty and Regional Tensions
The Jordanian Foreign Minister also called for Israel to respect Syria’s territorial sovereignty and integrity, stating:
“Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty must be respected. Israel must immediately withdraw from Syrian territories it has occupied and must stop meddling in Syrian affairs. Its actions are unlawful and destabilizing. The Syrian government has said even now that it is fully committed to the 1974 agreement. Israel must uphold that agreement too, and it must respect international law. Otherwise, it will be sowing the seeds of conflict and chaos in the region again.”
