International Donors Pledge €5.8 Billion for Syria’s Recovery at Brussels Conference
At a Brussels conference, donors pledged €5.8 billion for Syria aiding its recovery efforts, a decrease from last year’s €7.5 billion. The EU and other nations provided significant contributions, yet ongoing violence raises questions about stability under new authorities. The U.S. influence on aid is declining, prompting calls for shared responsibility. The dire humanitarian situation continues, with millions in need of assistance, as Syria faces significant recovery challenges post-civil war.
At a recent conference in Brussels, international donors pledged €5.8 billion (approximately $6.3 billion) to support Syria, representing a decline from the previous year’s €7.5 billion commitment. The European Union led the efforts, contributing about €2.5 billion ($2.7 billion) to assist those in Syria and surrounding countries. Individual countries, including Germany and Britain, also made notable contributions of $330 million and $210 million respectively, reflecting continued international interest despite a decrease in overall pledges.
This year marked a notable shift as Syria’s interim foreign minister Asaad al-Shibani attended the conference, signaling an invitation of current authorities into discussions for Syria’s future. However, escalating violence in the country has fueled skepticism about the new Islamist-led government’s stability. The humanitarian crisis remains dire, with 16.7 million people requiring assistance as the civil war continues to leave the region devastated.
U.S. influence appears to be waning, especially after former President Trump’s budget cuts on aid, leading to a call for greater contributions from other nations. U.S. representative Natasha Franceschi emphasized the importance of shared financial responsibility in supporting the Syrian people, noting that the U.S. has provided more assistance than any other nation.
Syria’s new rulers, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, have called for additional aid to kickstart recovery. While the EU has loosened some economic sanctions, Shibani expressed the need for more comprehensive measures to foster recovery. The complexities remain, with hope mixed with the reality of violence, including recent reports of civilian casualties during government crackdowns.
Despite a push for an inclusive transition signed by Sharaa, many challenges remain, particularly concerning security forces’ actions against civilians. The United Nations forecasts that, at current recovery rates, Syria may need over 50 years to return to its pre-war economic condition. The continuous need for humanitarian aid remains paramount, with organizations warning against reducing support as the country grapples with its critical recovery phase.
The recent donor conference revealed a significant decrease in international financial commitments to Syria, marking a critical point in ongoing support efforts. Despite some positive developments, such as the attendance of Syrian authorities, the rise in violence casts uncertainty on the nation’s recovery trajectory. The need for extensive humanitarian assistance persists amid this backdrop, underscoring the ongoing crisis faced by millions in Syria as they seek stability and rebuilding efforts.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
