EU announces €235m aid package for Syria after Assad's ouster

Humanitarian aid pledged during first EU visit to Syria under new leadership.

Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa meets with European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib in Damascus on January 17, 2025. Photo by Syrian Arab News Agency/AFP

By Clarisa Sendy and Amanda Zahra

The European Union's crisis management chief, Hadja Lahbib, has unveiled a €235 million humanitarian aid package for Syria and its neighboring countries. This announcement marks the first high-level EU visit to Syria since Bashar al-Assad was ousted from power.

Speaking at a press conference in Damascus on Friday, Lahbib emphasized the EU's commitment to addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of Syria's population and those displaced to neighboring countries.

"I come here to announce a new package of humanitarian aid of €235 million in Syria and in neighboring countries," Lahbib stated. "Our funding will contribute to basic needs like shelter, food, clean water, sanitation, health care, education, and emergency responses."

This visit follows a series of diplomatic engagements, including trips by foreign ministers from France and Germany, aimed at supporting Syria's transition under new leadership. Ahmed al-Sharaa, leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), now heads Syria's transitional government. HTS played a pivotal role in the December 8 offensive that ousted Assad.

The interim government, tasked with leading Syria until March 1, has promised a peaceful and inclusive transition. HTS has also sought to reassure minorities of their safety and pledged to uphold the rule of law.

Lahbib expressed cautious optimism during her visit, highlighting the importance of Syria's commitment to human rights, women's rights, and the rule of law. "What I've heard from the current authorities is really encouraging," she said. "Now we need action."

Syria’s neighboring countries, which have sheltered millions of refugees over the years, will also benefit from the EU's aid package. Lahbib emphasized the importance of unrestricted access for humanitarian organizations, particularly in conflict-affected areas in eastern Syria.

"We count on the authorities to ensure unrestricted and safe access for humanitarian actors to all regions of Syria," she said.

The aid package is expected to address a range of needs, including shelter, food security, clean water, and health care, as well as education for children affected by the conflict.

The challenge of sanctions

The EU imposed sweeping economic sanctions on Syria during Assad's rule, and discussions about easing these measures are now underway. The transitional government has actively lobbied for sanctions relief, but European governments remain divided on the issue.

"We want to see a bright future for Syria, and for that, we need to see the rule of law being respected," Lahbib said. "Let's help Syria but without being naive."

EU foreign ministers are scheduled to meet in Brussels on January 27 to discuss potential changes to the sanctions. Lahbib warned that lifting the sanctions would require unanimity among the EU’s 27 member states.

Lahbib described the current moment as a "turning point" for Syria, with critical decisions on the horizon. The EU’s aid package represents not only a gesture of support but also an incentive for the new authorities to demonstrate their commitment to governance, inclusivity, and human rights.

As the transitional government works to establish stability, the international community will be closely monitoring its actions. For Syria, the next steps will be crucial in shaping its future and rebuilding its standing on the global stage.

This €235 million aid package highlights the EU's recognition of the immense challenges facing Syria and its willingness to support the country’s recovery, provided the new leadership upholds its promises of reform and inclusivity.