A new phase for Syria: Brussels conference to address humanitarian and political challenges

Monday 17 March 2025 - 11:18

By: Zahouani Ilham

A new phase for Syria: Brussels conference to address humanitarian and political challenges

The interim government in Damascus is set to participate on Monday in an international conference aimed at securing aid for Syria, a nation grappling with severe humanitarian crises and an uncertain political future following the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

Since 2017, the European Union has hosted this annual event in Brussels. However, past conferences excluded Assad’s government due to its role in the civil war that erupted in 2011. With Assad's removal in December, EU officials view this gathering as an opportunity for a fresh approach, despite recent deadly clashes between Syria’s new Islamist rulers and Assad loyalists.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged the urgent humanitarian challenges Syria faces, citing recent violent outbreaks in coastal areas. Nevertheless, she described this moment as one of "hope," referencing a March 10 agreement to integrate the Kurdish-led, U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces into the new administration.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Islamist faction responsible for Assad’s ousting, remains classified as a terrorist organization by the United Nations. Despite this, EU officials are open to engaging with Syria’s new leadership, provided they adhere to promises of an inclusive and peaceful transition.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani is expected to attend the conference, along with numerous European and Arab ministers and representatives from international organizations.

This year’s conference holds particular significance as U.S. aid under President Donald Trump has been significantly reduced, affecting humanitarian and development programs. In 2023, donors pledged €7.5 billion ($8.1 billion) in grants and loans, with the EU committing €2.12 billion for 2024 and 2025.

Currently, around 16.5 million Syrians depend on humanitarian aid, with 12.9 million in need of food assistance, according to EU reports. In addition to war-related devastation, an economic downturn has led to the devaluation of the Syrian pound, leaving nearly the entire population in poverty.