EU strengthens its support to the Geneva peace process to end the conflict in Syria

The European Union adopts a new €9 million programme to support peace and political transition in Syria.

The European Union adopted the second phase of the “Syria Peace Support Initiative” under the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP). As the continuation of phase I, the new phase will further provide financial, technical and analytical support to the overall work to reach a negotiated political transition in Syria. It will in particular continue accompanying the mediation role of the United Nations Special Envoy in the framework of the political negotiations in Geneva.

The High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini said: "The EU has always supported the UN-led process as the relevant framework for reaching a political solution to the Syrian conflict. This is the process on which and in which we are investing, supporting the intra-Syrian talks, the UN facilitation and the work of the Syrian opposition, civil society, especially the women of Syria. Only an inclusive political process and transition can make all Syrians -who are inside Syria or elsewhere in the region and in Europe- feel at home in their own country and to contribute to its rebirth, shaping Syria's future unity and reconciliation".

The programme will build on an earlier funded intervention launched in the wake of the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254 on 18 December 2015. The initiative has been instrumental in supporting the UN-led peace talks in Geneva, the consolidation of the Syrian opposition's negotiation platform, as well as efforts to promote an inclusive vision of transition for Syria –including through direct support to civil society networks, women and human rights organisations.

Background

In line with the EU Strategy for Syria, the European Union remains committed to contribute to peace and a credible political transition in Syria. With a second Ministerial conference to be held next spring in Brussels, the EU is the largest donor in the international response to the Syrian crisis, with over €10 billion from the EU and Member States collectively allocated in humanitarian, development, economic and stabilisation assistance for Syrians inside Syria and in neighbouring countries since the outset of the crisis.