Dear President,
Presidency of the Council,
Honourable Members,
Thank you for having this important debate on Syria.
The resolution you will adopt tomorrow is the first after the fall of the Assad regime and is crucial for shaping the EUs stance.
Three months after the regimes fall, Syria faces immense challenges. Three out of four Syrians rely on humanitarian aid, facing issues in food, water, health, and education. Half the population lacks clean water.
After 14 years of war, Syrias economy is shattered, with a GDP loss estimated at EUR 740 billion, unlikely to recover before 2080.
The poverty rate is at 90 percent, with two-thirds living in extreme poverty. Half the children are not attending school, and energy production is down 80 percent.
Syria mourns over 618,000 casualties and 113,000 missing persons. The EU condemns any violence against civilians and urges swift investigations.
Positive developments include an agreement between Syrian authorities and the SDF, paving the way for stability. The EU leads international efforts, having invested over EUR 35 billion since 2011.
Last month, at the Paris Conference on Syria, three key conclusions emerged: the importance of a peaceful transition, cautious refugee returns, and sanctions relief.
The EU is ready to scale up support for Syrias recovery, aligning efforts with the New Pact for the Mediterranean.
Honourable Members,
Justice and accountability are paramount. Rebuilding requires reconciliation. The EU supports civil society in rebuilding Syria.
I look forward to our debate.
Thank you.
Concluding remarks
Dear President,
Council Presidency,
Honourable Members,
Thank you for your contributions. Syrias transition is underway, with a long path to stability. The EUs support is crucial.
Syrias future depends on our collective action today.
I look forward to the European Parliament resolution.