The European Union convenes the 9th international conference in support of Syria on 17 March

The European Union will convene its 9^th international Conference in support of Syria on 17 March, in Brussels. This year's edition comes at a historic moment, following the fall of the Assad regime, where the Syrian people have the chance to re-take control of their destiny and rebuild their country.

High Representative / Vice-President Kaja Kallas, Commissioner Dubravka Šuica, and Commissioner Hadja Lahbib will co-chair the Ministerial event ‘Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition'. This event aims to gather  international support for a Syrian-owned, inclusive transition, from assistance to socio-economic recovery. For the first time, Syrian interim authorities have been invited, together with representatives of the United Nations, Syria's neighbouring states and other regional partners. 

The Conference comes at a time when the situation in Syria remains fragile, as seen by the recent violence against civilians and attacks on security forces. It will therefore address the developments in the country, the initial steps of the transition and the international community's possible support, as well as the immediate needs of the Syrian people with a focus on socio-economic recovery, whilst continuing to address Syria's unabating humanitarian needs. The regional dimension of the conference will stress the EU's sustained support to Syrians, as well as host communities, also in neighbouring countries, in this period of transition.

The EU also intends to support a meeting of Syrian civil society from across Syria and the diaspora, in Damascus, at a later date. More details will follow on this event.

Background:

The EU has remained steadfast in its commitment to support Syrian people, including through the organisation of the annual Brussels Conference over the past eight years. Since 2011, the EU and EU Member States have mobilised more than EUR 37 billion in humanitarian, development, economic and stabilisation assistance, supporting Syrians both inside the country and across the region.

The Opening session and the Plenary session of the conference, as well as press engagements, videos, and photos of the Conference will be published and broadcast on the Council live  and EBS.

For more information on the conference please consult the Ninth Brussels Conference website.

Media representatives wishing to cover the Ministerial meeting in person are required to register in advance.

Media representatives in possession of the EU interinstitutional press card or the Council 1-year badge for 2025 do not need to register.

Journalists who do not hold the abovementioned badges can apply by sending an email to press.centre@consilium.europa.eu, attaching an assignment letter from their editor and a copy of their ID/passport.

*Updated on 14/03/2025 at 17:50