Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The European Union is holding its ninth International Conference in Support of Syria on March 17 in Brussels. This year's conference comes at a historic moment, following the fall of the Assad regime, when the Syrian people have the opportunity to take control of their destiny and rebuild their country. According to a European statement distributed in Brussels, the European statement added, "High Representative Kaya Kallas, Commissioner Dubravka Šoečka, and Commissioner Haja Lahbib will co-chair the ministerial event entitled 'Standing with Syria: Meeting the Needs for a Successful Transition.' This event aims to mobilize international support for an inclusive, Syrian-led transition, from assistance to socio-economic recovery. For the first time, the Syrian interim authorities were invited, along with representatives from the United Nations, Syria's neighboring countries, and other regional partners.
According to a European Commission statement in Brussels, "The conference comes at a time when the situation in Syria remains fragile, as demonstrated by the recent violence against civilians and attacks on security forces." The meeting will therefore address developments in the country, the first steps of the transition, potential support from the international community, and the urgent needs of the Syrian people, with a focus on social and economic recovery while continuing to address Syria's pressing humanitarian needs.
The European Union has remained steadfast in its commitment to supporting the Syrian people, including through the annual Brussels Conference for the past eight years. Since 2011, the EU and its Member States have mobilized over €37 billion in humanitarian, development, economic, and stabilization assistance, supporting Syrians inside the country and across the region.