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

The European Union convened 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 co-chaired the Ministerial event ‘Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition'. This event aimed 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.

Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, said: "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." 

Background:

The EU has remained steadfast in its commitment to support Syrian people, including through the organization of the annual Brussels Conference over the past eight years. Since 2011, the EU and EU member states have mobilized more than €37 billion in humanitarian, development, economic and stabilization assistance, supporting Syrians both inside the country and across the region.

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