This week, President von der Leyen participated in the 9th edition of the Brussels Conference Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition. The conference gathered representatives from EU Member States, partner countries, and international organizations, raising €5.8 billion in international support for Syria and the region.
In her speech, President von der Leyen announced the EUs pledge of €2.5 billion for 2025-2026. She emphasized renewed hope after the fall of the Assad dictatorship. Syria is a new country. Today, the dreams and aspirations of the Syrian people can become reality, she said.
However, President von der Leyen noted that the situation remains fragile despite many encouraging steps.
The Commissions President reaffirmed the EUs unwavering support for a successful transition and the formation of an inclusive government ensuring the protection of all minorities. She also emphasized the importance of having Assad al-Shaibani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian transitional government, at the Conference: “We must do everything in our power to support these goals and a successful transition. We want the Syrian people to know that we will be with them every step of the way. That is why it is so important that, for the first time, we are joined by Minister al-Shaibani. In the past, we always worked for Syria and Syrians. But today, we can finally work with Syria.”
The support of the European Union is three-fold: addressing humanitarian needs, supporting socio-economic recovery, and assisting an inclusive political transition. Since the conflict began, the EU and its Member States have provided €37 billion in support of Syrians. This support is crucial as millions of Syrians are expected to return home.
President von der Leyen also detailed that sanctions on key economic sectors, including energy, transport, and financial transactions linked to them, were suspended. This will aid Syrias reconstruction and economic recovery.
She underscored: We are ready to do more to attract necessary investments for reconstruction as the political transition advances towards a credible, inclusive, and non-sectarian government. As long as progress continues, we are also willing to scale up our support for recovery and reconstruction – together with our partners in the region and worldwide. Syria used to be one of the economic powers of the Middle East. We want to be partners for the recovery and growth of a new Syria.
The President concluded her speech by announcing that the next civil society dialogue of the Brussels Conference will be held in Damascus,: Syria can become a country where everyone can speak their mind. With equal rights and representation for all – men and women alike, beyond faith, ethnicity, and ideology. A country with no place for sectarian violence. The future of Syria is for all Syrians to build. Those who always fought for freedom, and those who just discovered hope. Those who fled and those who stayed. This must be the promise of the new Syria. And we will do everything we can to fulfill it.
More information:
Speech by President von der Leyen at the IX Brussels Conference on Syria
Press release: EU pledges €2.5 billion to support Syria and the region