Brussels Conference on “Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region” agrees holistic approach to the crisis and 5.6 billion euros in pledges for 2017

EU News 69/2017

05/04/2017

Wednesday’s Brussels Conference on “Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region” agreed a holistic approach to handling the Syrian crisis, including massive financial assistance to respond to the humanitarian situation, backing for political work towards a resolution of the crisis, and a long-term vision to support a peaceful and stable future for Syria and the wider region, High Representative Federica Mogherini said today, at the end of the conference, which she hosted and co-chaired with the United Nations, Qatar, Norway, Kuwait, Germany and the United Kingdom.

The conference, which brought together representatives of more than 70 countries and international organisations as well as international and Syrian civil society, agreed pledges for this year of 6 billion dollars (5.6 billion euros), including 1.3 billion euros from the EU, which remains by far the largest donor to the crisis. The EU also committed to maintain similar levels of support in the future, amounting to 560 million euros for 2018 for Lebanon, Jordan and for humanitarian work inside Syria, and to maintain its level of engagement also in 2019.

“Today’s Conference has agreed on a holistic approach to the Syrian crisis,” the High Representative said. “The scale of suffering is such that a political solution is more urgent than ever before. Investment of political work in supporting a resolution to the crisis is key in securing a future, any future, but especially a free and democratic future for Syria and its people. Only Syrians can make the agreement that will secure peace… Sustainable and inclusive peace in Syria for the Syrians remains the objective of all our common work.”

“The unity of the international community is today more not less relevant than ever and our common work is more not less urgent today, to bring humanitarian aid to Syrians and to put an end to the war.”

Link to the Co-Chairs’ Declaration: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2017/04/05-syria-conference-co-chairs-declaration/

Source and additional information:
https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/24256/brussels-conference-supporting-future-syria-and-region-agrees-holistic-approach-crisis-and-56_en

Twitter: @eu_eeas URL

• Tweet