EU Commits to Support Syria Amid Sectarian Violence and Governance Shift
The EU pledges continued aid and sanctions relief to support Syria’s new leadership amid ongoing violence. Germany commits €300 million for essential services, while foreign ministers emphasize the need for sustained support. Recent sectarian violence, sparked by the new governance structure, raises concerns about stability. The EU’s efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties signify a shift in policy towards Syria and its migrants.
European Union member states reaffirmed their commitment to support Syria’s new leadership with financial aid and sanctions relief, despite rising sectarian violence, as stated by foreign ministers on Monday. Germany led the initiative by promising €300 million for essential services such as food and healthcare. EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, echoed the commitment, indicating that sanctions against Syria would continue to be lifted.
The recent overthrow of Bashar Assad’s long-standing regime by Syrian rebels, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, has created a precarious governance structure marked by religious and ethnic tensions. Amid recent violence, gunmen from the Alawite minority targeted security personnel, igniting retaliatory actions from al-Sharaa’s government forces, leading to civilian casualties and causing many Alawites to flee to Lebanon.
Kallas emphasized the importance of sustained support for Syria, expressing concern over the recent violence. She stated, “The violence outbreak is really worrying. It shows that hope in Syria is really hanging by a thread. This shows that we need to do more to really show that Syria is going in the right direction.”
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani will attend a donor conference in Brussels, along with other EU leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. An EU official highlighted hopes that additional funding could help shift the narrative after 14 years of civil conflict, while also addressing concerns of reduced U.S. aid potentially exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
In recent months, the EU has led initiatives to restore diplomatic relations with Syria, including the easing of sanctions imposed on the Assad regime. There is a growing sentiment among several EU leaders to facilitate the return of Syrian migrants lacking legal status in Europe back to their homeland, signaling a significant shift in EU policy toward Syria.
The EU is taking proactive steps to support Syria amidst renewed violence and governance challenges following the regime change. Financial pledges, adaptive sanctions policies, and a collaborative diplomatic approach aim to stabilize the situation. However, concerns about sectarian violence persist, requiring ongoing commitment and caution from the EU to ensure a path towards recovery for the Syrian population and the nation.
Original Source: www.politico.eu
