On January 17, 2025, EU Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management, and Equality Hadja Lahbib announced a €235 million EU aid package for Syria and its neighbors during a press conference in Damascus, as reported by AlArabiya News.
This marked the first visit by a senior EU official since the removal of former president Bashar al-Assad on Dec. 8. The visit follows heightened diplomatic activity, including recent trips by French and German officials, as global powers engage with Syria’s transitional leadership.
Support for Basic Needs and Humanitarian Access
The newly announced EU aid package for Syria aims to address critical humanitarian needs across the region. “Our funding will contribute to basic needs like shelter, food, clean water, sanitation, healthcare, education, and emergencies,” Lahbib explained during her remarks.
She also urged Syrian authorities to grant unhindered access to humanitarian organizations, particularly in areas affected by ongoing conflict and those that remain difficult to reach.
This builds on the EU’s previous efforts in late 2024, according to the European Commission, when it provided €5.5 million in emergency funding to support Syrians crossing from Lebanon in October, including €2.8 million allocated to the UNHCR.
Additionally, €4 million was directed to meet the urgent humanitarian needs of those entering Syria.
To ensure timely delivery of aid, the EU coordinated a Humanitarian Air Bridge from Dubai and Turkey, as well as truck convoys from Denmark, reinforcing its commitment to immediate and effective support for the region.
A Turning Point Under New Leadership
Syria’s interim government, led by Ahmed Al-Sharaa, has been in place since the overthrow of Assad.
Al-Sharaa, who rose to power through the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has pledged to respect the rule of law and protect minority rights.
HTS, which evolved from the Syrian branch of Al-Qaeda, now faces the challenge of steering the country toward stability before elections scheduled for March 1.
Lahbib described the current moment as pivotal, emphasizing that decisions made in the upcoming months regarding the EU aid package for Syria will be critical for Syria’s trajectory.
Sanctions and Future EU Relations
Economic sanctions imposed by the EU during Assad’s rule remain a contentious issue. While the transitional government has advocated for easing these restrictions, Lahbib noted that lifting sanctions requires full agreement among the EU’s 27 member states.
“We want to see a bright future for Syria and for that, we need to see the rule of law being respected, human rights, women’s rights… What I’ve heard from the mouth of the current authorities (is) really encouraging… now we need action,” she said, adding that the EU states need to see concrete action from Syrian authorities before making policy changes regarding the EU aid package for Syria.
EU foreign ministers are expected to discuss potential sanctions adjustments during a meeting by the end of January in Brussels. Lahbib concluded with a note of caution: “Let’s help Syria, but without being naive. The EU aid package for Syria presents an opportunity for positive change.”
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