EU Commits Nearly 2.5 Billion Euros To Support Syria

On March 17, 2025, the European Union announced it would provide nearly 2.5 billion euros in additional support to the Syrian government, aiming to assist not only those within Syria but also Syrian refugees scattered across neighboring countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Turkey.

This substantial pledge came during the annual conference where, for the first time, the Syrian government was represented by Foreign Minister Assad al-Schibani. The EU's commitment is also matched by Germany's plan to contribute 300 million euros toward additional aid.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of this support, stating, "The signing of the transitional constitution last Thursday and the recent agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were historic." This sentiment seems to underline the EU's desire for stability and reconstruction following years of civil conflict.

Although the promise of support is significant, it is tied to the Syrian regime's ability to create what the EU describes as a credible and inclusive transition. "We are ready to do more to attract the necessary investments for rebuilding, as long as the de facto authorities in Damascus continue this transition,” von der Leyen asserted.

Despite these favorable developments, recent violence has marred the situation. Armed groups linked to Ahmed al-Scharaa's Sunni Islamist-led government have reportedly reacted fiercely to attacks from remnants of al-Assad's forces, resulting in the extrajudicial killing of up to 1,300 people, according to war monitoring groups. The brutality of these actions has drawn both domestic and international concern.

EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, voiced her concerns about the escalation of violence, describing it as "worrying" and expressed doubts about the future of hope for Syria if such acts continue. "The outbreak of violence shows how fragile the situation is. This is our position at the moment: we help Syria to develop, but we want to see those responsible for the violence held accountable," Kallas stated.

This response from EU leadership echoes UNICEF's recent revelations about the humanitarian crisis plaguing much of the country. The organization reported on the desperate circumstances of millions of children affected by the crisis. According to UNICEF, 7.4 million individuals have been displaced within Syria, over half of whom are children.

The education situation is particularly dire, with 2.5 million children currently out of school, and more than one million at risk of dropping out. Tragically, one out of every three schools is either destroyed, damaged, or has become shelter for displaced families.

Adding to this bleak picture is the issue of malnutrition; UNICEF reports around 500,000 children suffer from it, with two million lacking sufficient access to food. "Now is the time to heal a torn nation and give children a future," UNICEF remarked, emphasizing the urgency of humanitarian efforts across the devastated country.

Further complications arise from the dangerous remnants of warfare, as UNICEF notes at least five million children are at risk from unexploded ordnance scattered throughout the country. Estimates suggest there are around 300,000 unexploded devices nationwide, posing severe dangers to children and families trying to rebuild their lives.

Nine out of ten Syrians live below the poverty line, with 66 percent subsisting under extreme poverty conditions. This stark reality leaves the majority of the population struggling with basic needs as they navigate the remnants of war.

While the EU has enacted measures recently to lift extensive sanctions on the energy, transport, and financial sectors to facilitate reconstruction, the question remains whether this financial assistance will translate to meaningful progress for everyday Syrians. The EU has indicated its intent to maintain pressure on Damascus for reforms, especially to include broader societal segments within governance—but achieving this aim may take considerable time and effort.

A senior EU official proposed the possibility of the European Investment Bank (EIB) playing a supporting role in financing Syria’s reconstruction. With many institutions hesitant to invest due to the uncertain climate, establishing trust and peace will be pivotal for rebuilding not only infrastructure but community relationships broken during years of conflict.

Despite the challenges, the EU’s continuous investment and assistance, paired with organizations like UNICEF striving to protect and provide for vulnerable children, offers hope for Syria’s recovery. While the scars of war are deep, persistence from both individuals within Syria and international supporters pushes toward the possibility of healing and reconstruction.