Germany has announced it will provide 300 million euros ($326 million) in aid to Syrians through the United Nations and select organizations, according to Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. This announcement came on March 17, 2025, just before the EU-hosted donor conference intended to raise funds for the war-torn country. More than half of the pledged funds will directly benefit the people suffering inside Syria, which will be distributed through established frameworks without involving the transitional government currently operating there.
The funding is aimed at addressing the most urgent needs, including food, health services, emergency shelters, and protective measures for the particularly vulnerable populations. “We stand together for the people of Syria, for a free and peaceful Syria,” Baerbock emphasized. She also called attention to the necessity for the transitional government to investigate the recent killings of hundreds of civilians and to hold the perpetrators accountable.
This appeal for accountability follows several days of violent clashes earlier this month, resulting in devastating consequences. Reports indicate more than 1,000 people have died due to the violence ravaging Syria's coastal regions, particularly relevant as the country grapples with chronic instability brought on by 14 years of civil war. This has displaced millions and left 16.7 million people within Syria requiring urgent assistance.
The EU’s donor conference is focusing on bolstering funds to address these humanitarian needs, having gathered representatives of international organizations and regional partners. For the first time, representatives from the Syrian authorities, including interim Foreign Minister Asa’ad Al Shaibani, have been allowed to attend. This is seen as a noteworthy step toward possible international engagement following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.
With hopes for stability on the line, regional and Western powers aim to navigate Syria’s new political dynamic. “There can only be a peaceful future for Syria if there is an inclusive political process,” said Baerbock, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts moving forward. While interim leadership has signaled intentions of establishing stability, including signing constitutional declarations which lay out rights for women and freedoms of expression, the recent escalation of violence has shaken optimism.
The state of human rights and governance under the new rulers has come under scrutiny amid reports of nearly 1,500 civilians being killed, predominantly from the Alawite minority. Kaja Kallas, the EU's Foreign Affairs Chief, stressed the importance of holding accountable those responsible for the massacres. “We need to continue with the lifting of sanctions, because if there is hope for the people, then there is also less chaos,” Kallas added, an indication of the EU's approach toward balancing sanctions with humanitarian efforts.
Last year's donor drive raised 7.5 billion euros, but the upcoming conference may face challenges to meet or exceed such levels due to recent difficulties. Particularly, the expected absence of significant US aid raises concerns, compounded by apprehensions over prior commitments and budget constraints faced by the US government under President Trump. The United States has historically been among the largest donors of humanitarian efforts within Syria.
Despite the EU easing sanctions on key sectors of the economy, it remains contingent on the transitional government fulfilling its promises toward improvement. “The EU stays committed, we will improve our commitment,” stated Hadja Lahbib, the commissioner's lead for humanitarian aid. Lahbib announced additional commitments but expressed the concern of the gaps left by the US's diminished role.
Further conferences on funding reconstruction are anticipated, highlighting the long-term need for both immediate aid and future rebuilding efforts within Syria. With the humanitarian response plan currently only funded at 35 percent of the $4.1 billion requested, the road to recovery appears fraught with challenges. It’s clear from the insights at this year's donor conference how significant international cooperation remains for Syria's recovery.
