Tomorrow, the European Union will host the Day of Dialogue of the VIII Brussels Conference on ‘Supporting the future of Syria and the region.’ The Conference has become the main event to reaffirm the international community’s support for the Syrian people, the Syrian refugees, and their host communities.
During the Day of the Dialogue, the European Union and other actors, such as the operational partners involved in the Syria response, will engage with the Syrian civil society inside Syria, in the region and from the diaspora through 6 thematic panel discussions. This year, the event will focus on how to strengthen the humanitarian, financial and political support for the people of Syria and support civil society organizations’ work.
Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, will deliver the opening remarks.
The Ministerial meeting, chaired by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell, will take place on 27 May, and brings 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, to mobilise vital financial support to address the most pressing needs of Syrians and their host communities in neighbouring countries.
As every year, the event will conclude with the announcement of this year’s pledges for the Syrian people and the region, and will also reaffirm the commitment of the EU and wider international community to a political transition in Syria, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
The EU and its Member States remain the largest donors supporting people in Syria and the region. Over €33 billion have been committed since the start of the crisis in 2011.
During the Brussels VII Conference, held in June 2023, the international community pledged close to €5.6 billion for 2023 (and beyond), over €3.8 billion of which was contributed by the EU and its Member States. This funding is instrumental in aiding those in need within Syria and in neighbouring countries hosting Syrian refugees.
More information can be found in the Brussels VIII Conference website. The Day of Dialogue will be entirely livestreamed on the website.
