At the recently held EU-led conference in Brussels on 17 March 2024, international donors pledged €5.8 billion (approximately S$8.4 billion) to support Syria’s transitional authorities as they grapple with pressing humanitarian crises and security concerns following the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
Economic Considerations
The pledges made this year fell short of last year’s commitments of €7.5 billion, a decline officials attribute largely to reductions in US foreign aid. EU officials expressed commitment to support Syria’s recovery, albeit with caution due to the ongoing violence in the region.
Germany’s Contribution
Germany announced a further €300 million (about S$435 million) in aid, specifically earmarked for food, health services, and emergency shelter while excluding direct support for the transitional government. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasised the necessity for an inclusive political process to establish a stable future for Syria.
Humanitarian Needs
- Approximately 16.5 million people in Syria need humanitarian assistance.
- Out of these, around 12.9 million require food aid.
- Recent violence has claimed over 1,000 lives in the coastal regions.)
A Hopeful Yet Challenging Future
Despite these challenges, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas noted that this situation marks both a critical need for aid and a cautious optimism for change. She cited a recent agreement to incorporate the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into state institutions as a step towards stability.
However, the newly appointed Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani acknowledged concerns over the violence, expressing gratitude for international support and framing reconstruction as a collaborative global effort.
The Broader Impact of Global Conflicts
UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pederson remarked that while recent violence played a role in decreasing donor support, other global conflicts also contributed to the reduced funding for Syria. He pointed out that the war has caused Syria to lose 40 years of development, with recovery expected to take at least a decade.
As the international community navigates these complex dynamics, the emphasis remains on maintaining humanitarian support while fostering a conducive environment for political dialogue.