The ninth international Brussels conference on Syria took place on March 17, 2025, emphasizing the need for international support during the country's transitional phase following the recent fall of the Assad regime. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced Germany's pledge of 300 million euros ($326 million) aimed at assisting both the Syrian population and refugees from the region, stating, "Three and a half months after the fall of the Assad regime, the people of Syria have a historic opportunity for a more peaceful future." This statement marks the country's intention to facilitate the rebuilding of Syria alongside humanitarian support.
The conference convened numerous dignitaries, including representatives from the new Syrian transitional government. Baerbock highlighted the urgent need for concrete steps toward political inclusion for all Syrians, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. She drew attention to the recent tragedies, including massacres against the Alawite community just over a week before the conference, underscoring the precarious state of security within Syria. Baerbock declared, "Only if all population groups are sufficiently involved in the national transition process will it be possible for Syria to enjoy peace in the long term." This appeal indicates the challenges of ensuring stability during the transition.
Development Minister Svenja Schulze echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity. "The Syrian transitional government has taken steps in the right direction, but the situation remains fragile. A key thing for making the transition process successful now is to quickly organize improvements for the population," she stated. Schulze insisted on accountability for the heinous acts committed against civilians, assuring the need for investigations to be conducted. "The unforgivable massacre of civilians just over a week ago must be investigated, and the perpetrators held accountable," she added.
Germany's commitment to Syria includes counseling agencies to distribute aid through UN organizations and non-governmental organizations rather than directly to the interim government. Of the €300 million pledged, 168 million originates from the Federal Foreign Office, focusing primarily on humanitarian assistance. This includes 131 million euros allocated for immediate relief such as food security, healthcare services, and emergency shelters, along with 36 million euros supporting peacebuilding measures. Schulze stated, "Together with other donors, Germany has stated clearly our support for Syria is linked to the expectation of inclusiveness. We must not miss the window of opportunity for political transition." This systematic approach aims at securing lasting changes within the region.
Over half of the contributions from Germany are intended to support the Syrian population living within Syria itself, measured against the backdrop of the broader Syrian humanitarian crisis, which continues to pose significant challenges. Currently, there are approximately 4.6 million Syrian refugees scattered across neighboring countries and 7.4 million internally displaced individuals within Syria.
Baerbock reaffirmed the commitment to support humanitarian needs stating, "We must lay the groundwork for reconstruction measures and for the improvement of the economic situation. With this conference, the international community is making it clear we will not abandon the Syrian people during this process." This reflects the collective resolve to assist Syria as it embarks on the road to recovery.
The Brussels conference marked the ninth installment of its annual EU donor series; it aimed not only to address immediate needs but also sought to pave the way for Syria’s eventual economic recovery. The funding allocated is also directed toward improving the lives of Syrian refugees and host communities within the countries surrounding Syria, such as Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Turkey.
The German minister’s statements resonate with the broader goals of the conference, sending out signals of hope amid the continuing cycles of suffering and conflict within Syria. The challenges of unity and cooperation presented at this gathering must be prioritized to facilitate growth and transformation for all Syrian communities following decades of war.
Given the urgency communicated by both Baerbock and Schulze, it is evident Germany and the wider international community recognize the delicate balance needed to address both security and humanitarian needs effectively. The expectation of inclusivity within the political process highlights the lessons learned from years of conflict where failure of representation has led to renewed violence. With the transition underway, the outcomes of this conference hold the potential to carve out a new era for Syria.
