Syria: EU holds VII Brussels Conference on ‘Supporting the future of Syria and the region'

On 14 and 15 June, the EU is hosting the VII Brussels Conference on ‘Supporting the future of Syria and the region' #SyriaConf2023. The conference will once again offer a platform to reiterate the continued support of the European Union and the international community for the Syrian people, the Syrian refugees, and their host communities.

The conference will be the main pledging event for Syria and the region this year. Moreover, it will allow the international community to renew the push for a political solution to the conflict, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

During the Day of the Dialogue today, the EU and other actors such as the operational partners involved in the Syria response will engage with civil society actors from inside Syria, the region, the diaspora, and refugee-hosting countries. The aim is to enhance the political support of the international community for these crucial actors.

The following day, Thursday 15 June, the Ministerial Conference will bring together State actors, notably EU Member States, Syria's neighbouring States, and third countries, as well as representatives from the United Nations and other international organisations. They will discuss how to strengthen the humanitarian, financial and political support for the people of Syria. The meeting will conclude with the announcement of this year pledges.

Since 2011, the EU and its Member States have been the largest donors of humanitarian and resilience assistance to Syria and the region, providing over €30 billion in response to the Syrian crisis.

The EU will continue mobilising all the tools at its disposal to support the Syrian people reaching a credible negotiated political solution and to help creating the conditions for a brighter future for all Syrians.

High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell said: "In the 13th year since the Syrian regime violently repressed peaceful demonstrations and provoked a brutal conflict which continues to this day, we do not forget the Syrian people. They deserver to once again live in peace and stability. At the Brussels VII Conference, the whole international community must step up its efforts to pressure the Syrian regime to stop abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law and commit to a political dialogue leading to a political solution, in line with UNSCR 2254 and in full support of UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen. Until a sustainable and comprehensive political solution is reached, the Syrian people and refugees, and their host countries, can count with the support of the European Union."

Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič said: "After over a decade of conflict, Syria remains one of the largest humanitarian crises of our time. By now, there are nearly 15 and a half million people in need of life-saving support inside this war-torn country. Over half of those in need are women and children. Every day, they are facing a growing number of challenges. Ongoing hostilities. Violations of International Humanitarian Law. Severe water and food shortages. Access and protection issues. Millions have fled the country, foremost to its neighbourhood. Without our immediate assistance, the Syrian people face a desperate future. Ahead of the 7th Brussels Conference, I call on the entire international community to generously pledge humanitarian support for people in Syria and the hosting communities in the region who literally need this more than ever."

Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, said: "The European Union has been a predictable and reliable partner in supporting the Syrian refugees and host communities across the region. In response to the conflict in Syria, we have provided over €30 billion of assistance since 2011. After the devastating earthquake this March, we have immediately mobilised the international community to help with early recovery and relief efforts. In addition, the European Union supports the socio-economic recovery and sustainable development of the region through its Economic and Investment Plan."