The European Union convenes the 9th international conference in support of Syria on 17 March

The European Union will convene its 9^th international Conference in support of Syria on 17 March, in Brussels. This year's edition comes at a historic moment, following the fall of the Assad regime, where the Syrian people have the chance to re-take control of their destiny and rebuild their country.

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'. This event aims to gather  international support for a Syrian-owned, inclusive transition, from assistance to socio-economic recovery. For the first time, Syrian interim authorities have been invited, together with representatives of the United Nations, Syria's neighbouring states and other regional partners. 

The Conference comes at a time when the situation in Syria remains fragile, as seen by the recent violence against civilians and attacks on security forces. It will therefore address the developments in the country, the initial steps of the transition and the international community's possible support, as well as the immediate needs of the Syrian people with a focus on socio-economic recovery, whilst continuing to address Syria's unabating humanitarian needs. The regional dimension of the conference will stress the EU's sustained support to Syrians, as well as host communities, also in neighbouring countries, in this period of transition.

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 will follow on this event.

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 EU Member States have mobilised more than EUR 37 billion in humanitarian, development, economic and stabilisation assistance, supporting Syrians both inside the country and across the region.

Quote(s)

This is a time of dire needs and challenges for Syria, as tragically evidenced by the recent wave of violence in coastal areas. This is also a time of hope, as we welcome the agreement reached on 10 March between the Syrian Interim authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces, which could pave the way for a better future for Syrians. The EU continues to stand with the Syrian people. This has been our principled approach throughout the crisis; it is also our interest as Europeans. This year’s Brussels Conference will be a moment of immense responsibility: We must spare no effort to assist an inclusive transition that gives all Syrians a chance to rebuild their country in line with their aspirations. We count on a strong participation and pledges by all partners to make this a transformational and decisive effort.

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

Since 2011 the EU has been leading international efforts to support Syrians both inside Syria and in the region. Together with its Member States, the EU has been the largest donor, having mobilised more than EUR 35 billion in humanitarian, development, economic and stabilisation assistance, in the last eight editions of the Brussels conferences. Today we remain more committed than ever to support Syrians in their transition from assistance to recovery. The partial lifting of EU sanctions has been a first step of key importance. This year’s ninth edition of the Syria Conference will be instrumental to mobilise international efforts and help Syrians recover and rebuild their country.

Dubravka Šuica, Commissioner for Mediterranean

The EU stands with the Syrian people on their path to recovery, peace, and a secure future. The dire humanitarian crisis in Syria and the region has not vanished with the fall of the regime. Today we have a historic chance to reset, recover and rebuild. I witnessed first-hand the huge potential these developments bring for Syria and the entire region. The EU will continue its strong support for an inclusive Syrian transition.

Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management