Syria: IV Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region

High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell announced on Friday, 6 March 2020, that the EU would convene a fourth Brussels Conference on “Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region” on 29 and 30 June 2020. 

“Our immediate concern is to work towards a lasting ceasefire across the country and engage with all relevant actors for a comprehensive political solution and to address the humanitarian needs of the Syrian people. The Brussels Conference is an effective tool for the EU to support the UN political and humanitarian efforts” said High Representative Borrell. 

Today, more than ever, the spiral of violence and instability in Syria continue to cause enormous suffering and further displacement of millions of people. The Brussels IV Conference will be an opportunity to gather all relevant actors to effectively address the current situation, offer continued support to UN efforts for a comprehensive political solution to the Syrian conflict, mobilise necessary financial support for Syria and neighbouring countries hosting Syrian refugees, as well as provide a unique platform for dialogue with civil society.

With over 6 million people displaced outside Syria and 11 million people in need of humanitarian assistance across the country, the Brussels Conference will mobilise donors to pledge further humanitarian, development and stabilisation assistance for Syrians inside Syria and in neighbouring countries.

A series of dialogues with Syrian and other civil society actors will also take place, to discuss the needs of those caught up in this terrible conflict and how to ensure the international community can support durable solutions. This includes Syrian women, who have a vital role to play in the political process and must participate fully.

The European Union will continue mobilising all tools at its disposal in support of the Syrian people, to work towards a lasting nation-wide ceasefire and a negotiated political solution and to help create the conditions for a brighter future for all Syrians.

Background

The previous three Brussels Conferences brought together a large part of the international community and served to catalyse and relaunch dialogue and to back UN efforts in favour of a political solution to the Syrian conflict in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. They also allowed the donor community to pledge vital support for the Syrian population and for neighbouring countries hosting Syrian refugees.

Last year, the third Brussels Conference raised a record figure of €6.2 billion in pledges for 2019 and €2.1 billion for 2020 and beyond. Two thirds of the overall pledge came from the European Union and its Member States, confirming their role as the leading donor in the context of the Syria crisis. Since the beginning of the conflict the European Union and its Member States have mobilised collectively over €20 billion.

The Conferences also include a key and valuable civil society component. In March 2019, representatives from more than 400 Syrian, regional and international non-governmental and civil society organisations gathered during the “Days of Dialogue”.