News

EU Conference on Syria Transition

Posted by Europe correspondent on

Brussels 16.03.2025 On 17 March, the European Union will host the Ninth Brussels Conference titled “Standing with Syria: Meeting the Needs for a Successful Transition.” This crucial gathering at challenging times aims to affirm unwavering support for the Syrian people as they entered a transformative period in their nation’s history.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

The fall of the Assad regime signifies a pivotal moment, offering Syrians the opportunity to shape their future. The European Union and the United Nations stand in solidarity with Syrians both within the country and across the region. Both are committed to supporting a Syrian-owned, Syrian-led, inclusive transition, addressing pressing humanitarian needs, and contributing to long-term efforts for economic recovery, reconstruction, and stabilization. The goal is to help build a free, peaceful, and prosperous Syria.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

A central objective of the Brussels Conference is to mobilize international backing for Syria’s transition and generate pledges for both humanitarian and non-humanitarian assistance. This includes sustained support for Syrians within Syria and in host communities across Jordan, Lebanon, Türkiye, Egypt, and Iraq. The conference also aims to reinforce the importance of a coordinated, comprehensive response to meet both immediate and long-term needs.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

EU-UN Cooperation at the Forefront
The EU and the UN have a long-standing partnership in addressing the Syrian crisis. The EU firmly supports a UN-mediated, Syrian-led political solution in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and the 2012 Geneva Communiqué. The EU remains engaged with regional and international partners, as well as Syrian civil society, to bolster the UN-led Geneva process.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Since 2011, the EU and its Member States have mobilised over €30 billion to aid those affected by the Syrian war, making the EU the largest global donor in response to the crisis. This support spans humanitarian assistance, stabilization, and resilience-building efforts both inside Syria and in neighboring countries.

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
EU-UN cooperation also focuses on addressing the displacement crisis, ensuring that refugee returns are voluntary, safe, and dignified, in line with UNHCR standards. The EU supports initiatives that facilitate access for humanitarian organizations to monitor return conditions and provide essential services.

Moreover, the EU aligns with UN mechanisms promoting justice and accountability, supporting bodies like the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) and the UN Commission of Inquiry. The EU also backs the proposed UN initiative to clarify the fate of Syria’s missing persons, ensuring lasting justice and reconciliation.

Further reinforcing its commitment, the EU will support a civil society event later this year in Damascus, ensuring continuous engagement with Syrian communities and stakeholders.

In addition, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf will host a senior-level workshop on 18 March titled “How to ensure coordinated international support to Syria’s socio-economic recovery?” Building on the Ministerial discussions from the previous day, this workshop will delve into Syria’s socio-economic recovery, identifying key challenges and exploring strategies for stabilisation and job creation.

Unknown's avatar

Published by Europe correspondent

journalist

Leave a comment