The EU announced on Tuesday an allocation of five million euros to address urgent humanitarian needs for those crossing from Lebanon into Syria, as hostilities in Lebanon escalate and displace hundreds of thousands. The funding aims to support both Syrians and Lebanese, focusing on food aid, health, and protection, according to the European Commission.
The new assistance will be delivered through the EU’s humanitarian partners, already active in Syria, to expedite aid to displaced individuals and host communities. Janez Lenarčič, the EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, emphasized the Union’s “deep concern at the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of the intensification of hostilities in Lebanon, as is already the case in Syria.” He called for de-escalation and adherence to international humanitarian law to protect civilians.
Michael Ohnmacht, the EU envoy to Syria, highlighted the severity of the displacement crisis, noting that more than 400,000 Syrians and Lebanese have fled their homes. Ohnmacht reiterated the EU’s commitment to human rights and ensuring dignity for all displaced persons crossing into Syria.
European envoys and heads of mission recently met with Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, UNHCR’s representative in Syria, to discuss the challenges facing refugees and those fleeing Lebanon. The EU continues to stress the importance of creating conditions for the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of Syrian refugees, aligning with the UNHCR’s standards.
Despite recent developments, the EU has remained steadfast in its Syria policy. A spokesperson confirmed that High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell is contemplating the appointment of a special envoy for Syria, although no formal decision has been made.
This announcement followed reports claiming that Christian Berger, former EU ambassador to Turkey and Egypt, had been appointed as the envoy. The EU has not confirmed this, stating the process is ongoing.
The EU’s strategic approach, rooted in the European Council conclusions of 2017/2018 and reinforced in April 2024, holds firm on the “three no’s”; no normalization with the Assad regime, no lifting of sanctions, and no reconstruction assistance until meaningful political progress is made per UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
The EU spokesperson emphasized that while the UNHCR has pointed out that conditions for a safe return do not yet exist in Syria, it has begun discussions to explore structured, voluntary returns. These would be under stringent conditions to ensure safety and dignity, particularly in regions deemed stable.
The EU’s dedication to supporting Syrian and regional refugees was reiterated in the European Council meeting of October 2024, where leaders called for enhanced assistance to displaced Syrians. The spokesperson highlighted that from January to October 2024, only a fraction of aid reached those in need, underlining the urgency of increased support.
The EU’s five-million-euro package represents part of its commitment to humanitarian relief in the MENA region amid ongoing conflicts. Lenarčič stressed the EU’s role in responding to crises and urged respect for humanitarian law to prevent civilian suffering.
