This week President von der Leyen took part in the 9th edition of the Brussels Conference "Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition". The conference brought together representatives from EU Member States, partner countries, and international organisations and financial institutions, and it raised €5.8 billion in international support for Syria and the region.
In her speech, President von der Leyen announced the EU's own pledge, worth €2.5 billion for 2025-2026. The President highlighted the renewed hope that exists today following the fall of the Assad dictatorship. "Syria is a new country. Today the dreams and aspirations of the Syrian people are no longer on hold. For the first time in decades, Syria's hope can become reality," the President said.
Still, President von der Leyen highlighted that despite many encouraging steps, the situation remains fragile.
The President of the Commission reaffirmed the EU's unwavering support to a successful transition and the formation of an inclusive government that will ensure the protection of all minorities. Further, she emphasised the importance of having Assad al-Shaibani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian transitional government, present at the Conference: "From our side, we must do everything in our power to support these goals and a successful transition. We want the Syrian people to know that we will be with them every step of the way. And this is why it is so important that, for the first time, we are joined by Minister al-Shaibani. In the past, we have always worked for Syria and for Syrians. But today, we can finally work with Syria."
The support of the European Union is three-fold: it addresses humanitarian needs, supports socio-economic recovery, and aims to assist an inclusive political transition. Since the start of the conflict, the EU and its Member States have provided €37 billion in support of Syrians. This support is now more important than ever as millions of Syrians are expected to return to their home country.
President von der Leyen additionally detailed that sanctions on key economic sectors including energy, transport, and financial transactions linked to them, were suspended. This will support the rebuilding of Syria and its economy.
She underlined: "We are ready to do more to attract the necessary investments for reconstruction, as the political transition advances towards a credible, inclusive, and non-sectarian government. As long as progress continues, we are also willing to scale up our support for recovery and reconstruction – together with our partners in the region and across the world. Syria used to be one of the economic powers of the Middle East. And we want to be partners for recovery and growth of a new Syria."
The President concluded her speech by saluting the fact that the next civil society dialogue of the Brussels Conference is to be held in Damascus,: "Syria can become a country where everyone can speak their mind. With equal rights and representation for all – men and women alike, beyond faith, ethnicity and ideology. A country with no place for sectarian violence. The future of Syria is for all Syrians to build. Those who always fought for freedom, and those who just discovered hope. Those who fled and those who stayed. This must be the promise of the new Syria. And we will do everything we can so that it can be fulfilled."
