On Friday 17 January, the European Commission announced a new humanitarian aid package for Syrians, with an initial budget of €235 million for 2025.
“The dire humanitarian crisis affecting them has not vanished with the fall of the regime. This can be an invaluable opportunity to reset, recover and rebuild. The EU will continue to support vulnerable Syrians in 2025 and beyond”, said the European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib.
The EU package will fund projects to distribute food, provide access to medical care, provide accommodation for displaced persons, drinking water and education for children, as well as financial transfers to cover other essential needs. The aid will go both to Syrians living in the country and to refugees in neighbouring regions.
Visiting Syria on Friday, Ms Lahbib stressed the importance of “inclusive leadership” with the new Syrian authorities (see EUROPE 13549/2) and called for unimpeded access to humanitarian aid.
The Commissioner also met members of civil society and UN teams, who have been key partners in the EU’s humanitarian efforts for several years. (Original version in French by Bernard Denuit)