EU organises ninth international conference to support transition in Syria

The European Union is convening its ninth international conference in support of Syria today, 17 March in Brussels.

This year’s event comes at a historic moment, following the fall of the Assad regime, when the Syrian people have the opportunity to take back control of their destiny and rebuild their country.

High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas, Commissioner Dubravka Šuica and Commissioner Hadja Lahbib will co-chair the event ‘Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition’. This event aims to focus international support for an inclusive, Syrian-led transition, from aid to socio-economic recovery. For the first time, the Syrian transitional government has been invited, along with representatives of the United Nations, Syria’s neighbours and other regional partners.

The Conference comes at a time when Syria remains in a fragile situation, as evidenced by recent episodes of violence against civilians and attacks on security forces. It will therefore address developments in the country, the initial steps of the transition and possible support from the international community, as well as the immediate needs of the Syrian people, with a focus on socio-economic recovery, without neglecting Syria’s humanitarian needs, which have not diminished.

The EU has remained steadfast in its commitment to support the Syrian people, in particular through the annual organisation of the Brussels Conference for the past eight years. Since 2011, the EU and its Member States have mobilised more than €37 billion in humanitarian, economic, development and stabilisation aid, supporting Syrians both inside the country and across the region.

More information: European Comission