A donor conference focused on Syria has raised 5.8 billion euros to address the humanitarian crisis stemming from the civil war, though this amount is less than last year’s pledges, largely due to a lack of commitments from the U.S. Germany has pledged 300 million euros to aid Syrians and refugees. The EU plans to gradually ease sanctions to promote recovery, while concerns persist over escalating violence and the humanitarian situation affecting 16.7 million people in need.
In a significant development, a donor conference focused on Syria has been convened for the first time since the ousting of ruler Bashar al-Assad. The event successfully mobilized a total of 5.8 billion euros, though this figure falls short of last year’s commitments, primarily due to the absence of specific pledges from the United States.
The global community has come together to contribute an additional 5.8 billion euros aimed at alleviating the devastating impacts of the ongoing civil war in Syria. According to EU Commissioner Dubravka Suica, this amount consists of 4.2 billion euros in grants and 1.6 billion euros in loans, as revealed during the recent donor conference held in Brussels.
Syria’s Quest for a Sustainable Future
The allocation of these funds remains uncertain. Germany has committed a significant portion of this total, with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Development Minister Svenja Schulze announcing a contribution of 300 million euros to assist both the Syrian population and refugees in neighboring nations.
The Syrian administration has pledged to establish a free market economy, despite years marked by mismanagement and corruption.
US Aid Commitments Fall Short
Last year’s donor conference generated an impressive 7.5 billion euros in grants and loans for the Syrian populace. However, the sharp reduction this year was anticipated following substantial cuts to foreign aid by the administration of former President Donald Trump. Historically, the USA has been the largest provider of humanitarian support to Syria, according to UN reports.
Germany had committed over one billion euros in the previous year, but this year’s reduced pledge has been partially attributed to the absence of an approved federal budget following the collapse of the traffic light coalition comprising SPD, Greens, and FDP last autumn.
During the Brussels conference, the US government refrained from making specific aid commitments, instead indicating that it would continue selective support and urging other nations to take on some of the financial responsibilities that the US had previously managed.
EU’s Strategy to Lift Sanctions
This ninth donor conference marked the first gathering since the fall of Bashar al-Assad last December, with representatives from the new Syrian administration in attendance. Acting Foreign Minister Assaad al-Schibani led the delegation and expressed gratitude to the EU for its initiatives following the regime change, including calls for further action.
In February, EU member states decided to gradually ease sanctions imposed on Syria post-Assad’s ousting, particularly in the energy, transport, and banking sectors, to foster swift economic recovery, reconstruction, and stabilization. The EU aims to continue this approach.
Concerns Over Civilian Massacres
Amidst hopes for a swift and lasting peace, the recent escalation of violence has raised alarm. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the need for close monitoring of the new Syrian leadership, particularly regarding their response to recent atrocities against the Alawite minority and the accountability of those responsible.
With 14 years of civil war having left much of Syria in ruins, the humanitarian crisis remains dire, affecting approximately 16.7 million individuals in need of assistance. The Red Cross has issued warnings that without immediate support for Syria, a new wave of migration could occur.
This article was originally reported on March 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM.