International donors pledged roughly €5.8 billion at the Brussels conference for Syria, a decrease from previous commitments. The EU contributed significantly, but U.S. funding has declined, prompting calls for greater support from other nations. For the first time, Syria’s transitional government participated, urging for additional aid and relaxed sanctions.
During the recent Brussels conference, international donors pledged approximately €5.8 billion ($6.3 billion) in aid for Syria. Although significant, this amount was lower than previous commitments due to a decrease in U.S. funding. The ninth edition of this event, themed “Standing with Syria: Meeting the Needs for a Successful Transition,” witnessed the European Union leading with nearly €2.5 billion ($2.7 billion) for the initiatives concerning Syrians domestically and in neighboring nations.
The conference saw notable contributions from Germany and the United Kingdom, amounting to $330 million and $210 million, respectively. However, the total aid pledged fell short of the €7.5 billion promised at last year’s gathering, highlighting a trend of declining international support.
U.S. representative Natasha Franceschi emphasized the need for other nations to increase their contributions, noting, “During the last 14 years, the United States has provided more assistance for the Syrian people than any other nation, more than $18.3 billion.” She stated that while the U.S. would continue to assist Syria under its policies and laws, an expectation exists for other countries to share the financial burden more equitably.
This conference marked a notable inclusion, as Syria’s transitional government participated for the first time. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani utilized this platform to urge donors to enhance their aid and reconsider existing sanctions.
In conclusion, the Brussels conference revealed a commitment of €5.8 billion in aid for Syria, although this figure represents a decline compared to previous years. The European Union, alongside prominent contributions from Germany and the UK, stepped forward to support Syrians. However, the U.S. has signaled a potential reduction in funding and encouraged other nations to increase their support. The participation of Syria’s transitional government emphasizes the ongoing need for coordinated assistance and relief efforts in the region.
Original Source: shafaq.com
