Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares told Asharq Al-Awsat ahead of a European Council meeting in Brussels that European foreign ministers assured their Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani that the EU is committed to supporting the interim government to ensure humanitarian aid reaches all Syrians in need.
He confirmed that the EU would announce additional aid amounting to 10 million euros to address the basic needs of Syrian citizens.
Albares emphasized that, in return, there must be a definitive end to violence, respect for the rights of all ethnic and religious minorities, and the protection of women's rights.
Donors at a European Union-led conference on Monday pledged 5.8 billion euros ($6.3 billion) to help Syria's new authorities as they struggle with humanitarian and security problems after the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
Moreover, Albares expressed satisfaction with the agreement reached between the transitional government and the Kurds, paving the way for their full integration into Syria’s peaceful future.
Contrary to expectations ahead of the Brussels donors’ conference, the European Union did not reduce its pledges to Syria but instead committed approximately 2.7 billion dollars (2.5 billion euros) for 2025 and 2026.
The majority of this funding will come in the form of direct aid through international agencies and humanitarian organizations, with no involvement from the transitional government.
The latter had insisted on sending a clear message, through Shaibani, rejecting any “foreign agendas” being imposed on Syria, according to sources at the conference.
Discussions at the conference focused on a “comprehensive peaceful transition” and reaching a political solution to ensure a stable future for Syria.
The challenges of poverty, hunger, lack of education, and the deterioration of critical infrastructure, especially in health, education, and banking sectors, were also addressed.
Sources revealed that the US withdrew from the donor group, despite the presence of American organizations and individuals at the conference.
The general atmosphere at the conference was described as positive and calm, with efforts focused on pushing the reconstruction process forward in Syria.
However, the aid provided remains minimal, covering less than 1% of Syria’s estimated $350-$400 billion reconstruction needs.
