Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is engaging with regional actors in the Middle East in view of the fall of the Assad dictatorship in Syria.
This week she travelled to Türkiye and Jordan, to exchange on the situation and lay out Europe's vision for the future of Syria.
Over the last days, President von der Leyen has repeated that Europe's stands ready to support Syria's national unity, and a Syrian state that respects all minorities.
On 17 December, the President met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara. There, she emphasised how the fall of the Assad regime is synonymous with hope for the Syrian people but comes also with risks.
"The Syrian people deserve a peaceful transition. One that preserves their country's territorial integrity and sovereignty. One that upholds state institutions. And one that reflects the aspirations of the Syrian people in all their diversity. So, it means that national unity must be respected, and minorities must be protected," President von der Leyen said during a joint statement with President Erdoğan.
She highlighted Türkiye's essential role in stabilising the region, notably to avoid the risk of a Daesh resurgence.
Europe will support Syria in this pivotal moment. "We will enhance our engagement in early recovery, including basic services, like electricity and water, and infrastructure. We have increased our humanitarian aid to more than €160 million for this year alone. And we have launched a humanitarian air bridge, and the first goods are expected to arrive this week," the President said.
She also acknowledged Türkiye's role in hosting Syrian refugees over the years and announced an additional €1 billion to support healthcare and education of the refugees. In parallel, as many Syrian people recover the hope of returning home and rebuilding their lives, the EU will work with the UNHCR to ensure that any returns are voluntary, safe, and dignified.
Full support for Jordan in uncertain times
The day before, on 16 December, President von der Leyen met the King of Jordan, Abdullah II, in Amman. It was the occasion to recall the EU's joint work with Jordan to help ensuring a peaceful political transition in Syria.
The Commission President committed to stepping up the delivery of humanitarian aid through Jordan and support early recovery of basic services and infrastructure.
