At a recent conference in Brussels, donors pledged 5.8 billion euros for Syria, a decrease from last year’s 7.5 billion euros. The support reflects a decline in U.S. aid amidst continuing violence. The EU, while aiming to increase funding, emphasizes the necessity of aid to assist millions impacted by the prolonged civil war.
On March 17, 2025, donors convened in Brussels and pledged 5.8 billion euros for Syria’s recovery efforts. This amount represents a decline from the previous year’s commitment of 7.5 billion euros. The decrease highlights the impact of reduced U.S. support amidst a backdrop of ongoing violence and instability in the region, despite efforts from the European Union to bolster funding.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, along with representatives from Jordan and Syria, emphasized the necessity of increased financial support to address the humanitarian crises stemming from an extended civil war. The pledges included 4.2 billion euros in grants and 1.6 billion euros in loans, aimed at supporting millions of displaced individuals.
The participation of Syrian authorities, represented by interim Foreign Minister Assaad al-Shibani, marked a notable development in these discussions. However, recent violence in Syria has raised concerns regarding the effectiveness and commitment of the new authorities to facilitate a peaceful transition.
Despite the EU’s promise to provide nearly 2.5 billion euros over the next couple of years, the U.S. has not made clear commitments to additional funding. High-impact contributions from nations such as Germany and Britain add to the promise of international support but fall short in overshadowing the U.S. budget cuts under President Trump’s administration.
Syria’s leadership has called for sanctions relief to assist in recovery, expressing appreciation for the EU’s efforts to ease specific sanctions. However, Shibani noted that these measures have not fully met the country’s expectations, urging for further action to facilitate recovery.
As violence escalates and humanitarian needs deepen, the International Committee of the Red Cross has highlighted that abandoning support would exacerbate the dire situation in Syria, prolonging the suffering of millions. The United Nations estimates that, at current growth rates, Syria would require over 50 years to return to pre-war economic conditions, underscoring the urgency of sustained international assistance.
In summary, the recent donors’ conference in Brussels highlighted the persistent challenges facing Syria despite total pledges of 5.8 billion euros. While there was some international commitment to aid, recent geopolitical developments, particularly reduced U.S. support, may hinder the recovery of a war-torn nation. The new Syrian authorities have expressed a need for greater assistance and sanctions relief to aid in their transition and recovery efforts, but ongoing violence raises questions about their effectiveness and true intentions.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
