The European Union will convene its 9th international conference in support of Syria on 17 March, in Brussels. This edition is significant as the Syrian people have the opportunity to take control of their destiny and rebuild their country after the fall of the Assad regime.
High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas, Commissioner Dubravka Šuica, and Commissioner Hadja Lahbib will co-chair the ministerial event ‘Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition’. The event aims to gather international support for a Syrian-led, inclusive transition, from assistance to socio-economic recovery. For the first time, Syrian interim authorities have been invited, along with representatives of the United Nations, Syrias neighboring states, and other regional partners.
The conference takes place at a time when the situation in Syria remains fragile, evidenced by recent violence against civilians and attacks on security forces. It will therefore address the countrys developments, the initial steps of the transition, and the international communitys potential support, as well as the immediate needs of the Syrian people with a focus on socio-economic recovery, while continuing to address Syrias ongoing humanitarian needs. The regional aspect of the conference will emphasize the EUs sustained support to Syrians, as well as host communities, including in neighboring countries, during this transition period.
The EU also intends to support a meeting of Syrian civil society from across Syria and the diaspora in Damascus, at a later date. More details on this event will follow.
Background:
The EU has remained steadfast in its commitment to support the Syrian people, including through the organization of the annual Brussels conference over the past eight years. Since 2011, the EU and EU Member States have mobilized more than EUR 37 billion in humanitarian, development, economic, and stabilization assistance, supporting Syrians both inside the country and across the region.