EU Maintains Sanction Easing Despite Ongoing Violence in Syria as Donor Nations Pledge EUR5.8 Billion in Aid

The latest surge in violence in Syria has dampened prospects for stability in the country. Nonetheless, the European Union (EU) remains committed to easing sanctions and providing financial assistance to the region. During a recent international conference in Brussels, donor nations pledged a total of EUR5.8 billion in aid, a figure that falls short of last year's commitments. The announced aid consists of EUR4.2 billion in grants and EUR1.6 billion in loans, as outlined by EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Suica.

According to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, nearly EUR2.5 billion of this aid will be allocated from the EU budget, with Germany contributing an additional EUR300 million. Von der Leyen emphasized the urgent need for support for the Syrian population, whether they are still abroad or considering returning home. However, the specific distribution of funds from Brussels remains unclear.

This year's conference also marked the first attendance of Syrian government representatives, led by Acting Foreign Minister Assaad al-Schibani. During the event, al-Schibani expressed gratitude for the EU's measures following the political changes in Syria, including the easing of sanctions, while simultaneously calling for further actions.

Despite the recent violent incidents in Syria, the EU has reiterated its intention to proceed with plans to lift certain sanctions against the country. EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas stated that providing hope to the Syrian populace is essential for curbing further violence. This includes facilitating access to banking services, ensuring sufficient resources for salary payments, and promoting investments.

Earlier this month, armed supporters of the ousted regime of long-time leader Bashar al-Assad attacked security forces in the coastal city of Latakia, prompting a military response from the transitional government. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, approximately 1,500 individuals have been killed in the unrest, predominantly civilians, with a significant number of Alawites reportedly targeted during the military operations. The transitional government has framed the violent outbreak as an attempt by Assad loyalists to instigate a new civil war.

In February, EU states had agreed to a phased easing of sanctions following Assad's ousting, specifically targeting the energy, transportation, and banking sectors to promote rapid economic recovery, reconstruction, and stabilization of the country. The hope is that this approach will encourage the return of hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees currently residing in the EU.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described the peaceful reconstruction of Syria as a significant undertaking. Germany is set to allocate an additional EUR300 million to the UN and selected organizations for this purpose, alongside humanitarian aid aimed at supporting civil society and the education system. The funds will also assist Syrian refugees and host communities in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Turkey.

According to the German government, the financial support will be directed exclusively to UN aid agencies and non-governmental organizations, rather than the transitional government led by Islamists. Baerbock has urged the transitional government in Damascus to ensure the protection of minority groups, asserting that a peaceful future for Syria can only be achieved through an inclusive political process.