For the second year in a row, the EU will be hosting an international conference on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 April in Brussels on the future of Syria. The conference has a humanitarian objective and new promises of expected donations but it is also expected to involve an attempt to relaunch the political process, as announced by Ms Mogherini on Monday 16 April (see EUROPE 12002).
One European source explained, “One of the objectives is to keep the emphasis on the need for a political process and a political solution” and again pointed out that there was no military solution.
There will be more than 85 delegations - but no representative from the Syrian regime or opposition - meeting up to discuss the future of the country, a few days after another chemical attack attributed to the regime and the air strikes in response. One source explained, “The co-presidency of the UN conference (in addition to the EU, Ed) could, it is hoped, provide an opportunity for relaunching the peace process”. This same source pointed out that the conference was bringing together actors that, “could make the difference”. Although the Turkish Vice Prime Minister has announced that he will be participating, it is still not yet certain that Iran and Russia will be represented at a ministerial level. At an EU level, 23 member states have confirmed that they will be taking part, 12 of whom will send foreign ministers and 6 will send the respective ministers responsible for development.
In addition to political aspects, the delegations will discuss the region's economy and humanitarian aspects. The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for making new donation promises. The 2017 conference included promises for €5.6 billion ($6 billion) for 2017 and €3.5 billion for 2018-20, including €5 billion from the EU and its member states. Loans of €27.9 billion have also been announced. According to a report published on 20 April, $7.5 billion in donations were paid out in 2017, 26% more than the promises made at the conference.
A European source pointed out that, “The situation is not getting any better, we need to keep the international community's attention on Syria”. A senior official expressed hope that despite the pressure donors are experiencing due to the many different crises in the world, the promises made will exceed those of 2017. These promises are also expected to focus on 2018, as well as the 2019-2021 period.
Non-governmental organisations will not be attending the ministerial meeting but they are not going to be left behind. On Tuesday 24 April, more than 200 NGOs from Syria and the region will be taking part in a “dialogue day” attended by several ministers and representatives from UN agencies to discuss ways of supporting the region. Discussions will focus on the protection of civilians in the region, ways of improving the delivery of humanitarian aid, promoting inclusive social and economic development in host countries - particularly in terms of work and education - and, finally, on making the future of children and young people secure. On 25 April, ministers will be informed about the content of the debates held the previous day. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)