At the Brussels IX Conference, donors pledged €5.8 billion for Syria, down from €7.5 billion the previous year. The EU is stepping up its commitment, but diminished U.S. funding has raised concerns. Syrian authorities participated for the first time as the country faces a severe humanitarian crisis with 16.7 million in need of assistance.
At the Brussels IX Conference, international donors pledged €5.8 billion for aid to Syria, a decline from the previous year’s commitment of €7.5 billion. The European Union, as a significant contributor, emphasized that out of the total, €4.2 billion will be in grants and €1.6 billion in loans. While EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen expressed a commitment of almost €2.5 billion this year and next, the lack of U.S. funding under President Trump’s administration impacted overall donations.
Syria’s interim Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani attended the conference, which marked the first representation of Syrian authorities at these annual talks. Despite a recent spike in violence in Syria, he stated the need for increased support to aid recovery efforts. The EU has eased sanctions on select economic sectors, but the new authorities are pushing for further relief measures to facilitate recovery efforts following the civil war.
The humanitarian situation in Syria remains critical, with an estimated 16.7 million people in need of assistance. Humanitarian aid is viewed as vital for millions of Syrians, as asserted by Mirjana Spoljaric of the International Committee of the Red Cross, warning that any withdrawal of support could exacerbate the suffering and delay recovery. With the economy heavily affected by the ongoing conflict and isolation, estimates suggest that it would take over 50 years to regain the pre-war economic standing if current growth persists.
The pledging of €5.8 billion at the Brussels IX Conference for Syria signifies a decrease in international support compared to previous years. While the EU and individual countries continue to provide assistance, the impact of diminished U.S. funding has raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis. As Syria seeks to recover, increased aid and support are crucial for managing the dire humanitarian needs and stabilizing the region.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
