The 9th annual Brussels Conference on Syria concluded with a strong focus on the need to rebuild the war-torn country, with international actors emphasizing that reconstruction is crucial for regional stability and security. Participants, including officials from the EU, UN, and key regional stakeholders, called for increased financial support and the removal of sanctions hindering Syria’s recovery.
Push for Lifting Sanctions to Support Reconstruction
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani underscored the severe impact of sanctions on Syrians, stressing that restrictions on energy, transportation, and healthcare prevent necessary investments and prolong hardships. “The reason for these sanctions, the former criminal regime, has disappeared, and their continuation today means punishing the Syrians,” he said.
Turkey echoed this, with Deputy Foreign Minister Nuh Yilmaz calling for the unconditional lifting of sanctions. While recent exemptions were welcomed, he said they remained insufficient to address Syria’s economic challenges. Yilmaz linked stability to economic recovery, emphasizing that reconstruction is essential for the return of refugees.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged the international community to reassess sanctions, citing an estimated $800 billion in war-related damages. He argued that lifting economic restrictions would accelerate recovery and ease Syria’s humanitarian crisis.
Financial Commitments & Conference Outcomes
Despite calls for broader financial support, this year’s funding commitments fell short of previous years. The conference secured €5.8 billion ($6.3 billion) in pledges, including €4.2 billion in grants and €1.6 billion in loans, to support Syrians inside the country and in refugee-hosting nations. The EU contributed €2.5 billion for 2025 and 2026, with additional pledges from EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, who announced €720 million for 2025—an increase from last year.
The EU’s financial aid will focus on rebuilding infrastructure, restoring essential services, and assisting refugees in Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Turkey. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the moment as pivotal for Syria’s transition, stating, “Syria is a new country, and for the first time in decades, the hope of fulfilling the aspirations of the Syrian people is closer to reality.”
Regional Support & Political Transition
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) reaffirmed its commitment to Syria’s reconstruction, with Secretary-General Jassim Muhammad al-Badawi stressing that Syria’s stability is a “security and humanitarian necessity.” The GCC has actively engaged in diplomatic efforts, including visits to Damascus and participation in ministerial conferences focused on Syria’s transition.
Egypt also voiced strong support for reconstruction. Ambassador Ahmad Abu Zaid emphasized that rebuilding Syria is not merely about infrastructure but about “restoring hope, dignity, and national reconciliation.” He highlighted Egypt’s role in hosting over a million Syrian refugees and urged donor nations to meet the urgent needs of displaced communities.
Looking Ahead
With millions of Syrians still in need of aid and infrastructure in ruins, the question remains: will international support be enough to rebuild the country, or will continued restrictions keep Syria locked in a cycle of crisis?
