14 March 2019

The EU-led Conference “Supporting the future of Syria and the region” takes place in Brussels

On 12, 13 and 14 March in Brussels, the EU hosted over thousands of delegations of Syrian civil society members, regional NGOs and representatives of more than 55 countries. HR/VP Mogherini also attended the conference and, opening the event, stated that “We want this conflict not to be forgotten, we want the people of Syria not to be forgotten, in a moment when the international community seems to care a little bit less about this”. On 12 and 13 March a discussion involving Civil Society representatives was on the agenda because “They are Syria. The future of Syria belongs to them” as declared by the HR/VP. On 14 March a ministerial meeting took place with more than 55 countries represented. Lebanese PM Hariri, UN special envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen, the EU Commissioner for the Neighborhood Policy Johannes Hahn also attended the meeting. At the end of the Conference, a record pledge of €8 billion was agreed for helping Syrian people. The EU will cover almost two-thirds of the overall pledge. Pedersen and Mogherini also attended a dinner with Syrian women underlining their important role in the peace process.

circle graphic