The European Union hosted a donor conference on Monday to support Syria’s transition following the ouster of former leader Bashar al-Assad, pledging €2.5 billion ($2.7 billion) in humanitarian aid for 2025 and 2026.
The one-day meeting in Brussels, chaired by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, brought together Western and regional powers to discuss Syria’s recovery after 14 years of civil war that killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions.
“Syrians need greater support, whether abroad or at home. This is why the EU is increasing its pledge to almost €2.5 billion,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Germany announced an additional €300 million ($328 million) in aid through the UN and other humanitarian organizations, while the United Kingdom pledged £160 million ($208 million) to provide food, water, healthcare, and education for 2025.
This year’s pledges fall short of last year’s €7.5 billion ($8.2 billion), as the United States reduced its foreign aid budget.
For the first time, Syria—represented by interim Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani—attended the conference, as the country’s new leadership works to consolidate control over war-torn regions.
The donor drive comes amid renewed violence, including an ambush last week by Alawite gunmen loyal to al-Assad, which killed nearly 1,500 civilians, according to a war monitor.
