EU pledges €2.5 billion to support Syria and the region

Today, in a pivotal moment for Syria's transition, the European Union hosted the ninth edition of the Brussels Conference “Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition.” 

Amid renewed hope and significant challenges after the fall of the Assad regime, the EU alongside EU Member States, regional and international partners, as well as, Syria's transitional authorities, reaffirmed its support for an inclusive, peaceful, Syrian-owned and Syrian-led transition.

In a clear demonstration of the EU ongoing support, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU is committing nearly €2.5 billion for 2025 and 2026 to aid Syria's transition process and the country's socio-economic recovery, while also addressing the urgent humanitarian needs, both within Syria and in the host communities across Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Türkiye.

For 2025, the EU increased its pledge made at the eighth Brussels Conference, from €560 million to €720.5 million, to support the population inside Syria, as well as Syrian refugees and vulnerable host communities across Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq. Additionally, the EU committed €600 million for 2026 for these countries; and pledged €1.1 billion to support Syrian refugees and vulnerable host communities in Türkiye for 2025 and 2026.

The ministerial event featured a political session chaired by High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas and two pledging sessions chaired successively by Commissioner Hadja Lahbib and Commissioner Dubravka Šuica.

Members of Syria's civil society participated in the Conference, offering invaluable insights from the ground. The conference also served as a platform to reaffirm the EU's commitment to safeguard a prominent and inclusive role for civil society — in all its diversity — in the post-Assad Syria.

The Conference aimed at fostering efficiency and coordination among international partners and UN entities, ensuring that assistance meaningfully supports Syria's socio-economic recovery – an effort that must be both Syrian-led, and Syrian-owned.

Background:

The EU has remained steadfast in its commitment to support Syrian people, including through the organisation of the annual Brussels Conference over the past eight years. Since 2011, the EU and its Member States have mobilised nearly €37 billion in humanitarian and resilience assistance, supporting Syrians both inside the country and across the region.

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Of course, the path to reconciliation and recovery is still long, but for the first time in decades, Syria’s hope can become reality. 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 so that it can be fulfilled.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

Today marks a pivotal moment in Syria's journey. This conference is more than pledges. It is a message of collective support for a peaceful, inclusive Syrian led and Syrian owned transition in Syria. It is a show of international commitment to a safe future for all Syrians. Justice, reconciliation, and reconstruction are fundamental parts of this. The people of Syria have lived through decades of horror. It’s high time that all Syrians can live safely in peace.

Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission

Today marks a new chapter for Syria—one of inclusivity, commitment, and progress. The EU stands in unwavering solidarity with the Syrian people, reaffirming our shared goal of a Syrian-owned and Syrian-led transition, grounded in human rights and international law. Our increased pledges and renewed engagement reflect a steadfast commitment to stability, recovery, and a brighter future for all Syrians.

Dubravka Šuica, Commissioner for Mediterranean

Today the international community has reaffirmed its strong solidarity with the people of Syria in all its diversity. The pledges made at this conference are more than financial commitments — they are a lifeline for millions. Syria’s future must be one of dignity, opportunity, and peace, and the support pledged today brings us closer to that vision. The European Union will continue to stand by the Syrian people, not only in responding to urgent humanitarian needs but in helping to build a just, inclusive, and stable future. Together, we are not just offering aid — we are investing in hope, resilience, and a path toward lasting peace.

Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management