Speech by Commissioner Šuica on the 10th anniversary of the EU Regional Trust Fund in response to the Syrian crisis - MADAD

Dear participants,

It is an honour to address you today, as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the European Union Regional Trust Fund in response to the Syrian crisis – better known in the region as “MADAD”.

MADAD is a powerful symbol of our continuous support for the Syrian people.

The Fund has been very impactful.

Together we have delivered for Syrians beyond Syria's borders. Particularly in neighbouring countries hosting the largest refugee populations, such as Jordan, Lebanon, Türkiye, and Iraq.

MADAD has catered for the most urgent needs of Syrian people and their host communities in a very comprehensive way: education, health, livelihood and resilience, water and sanitation, and social protection. This includes technical assistance for local infrastructure and administrative capacity.

MADAD had substantial resources and a remarkably wide coverage.

With about 2.4 billion Euro,

more than 12 million people have received access to various services,

over 160,000 individuals have been trained as part of local capacity building, and

the Fund has upgraded, reconstructed, or newly built 16,000 facilities across the countries most concerned.

All of this has made a difference for the people on the ground.

This is a fantastic success story.

The European Union has made this possible together with Türkiye and the UK.

It is the result of the dedication, professionalism, and hard work of so many people in the partner governments, Member State Agencies, international organisations, NGOs, development banks, and international financial institutions.

And it is the result of an impressive sense of shared purpose and collective action.

A true spirit of solidarity knows no borders.

Thank you so much

-      for protecting refugees and particularly children

-      for giving them chances to grow

-      for giving them hope for a better future

Today, you are coming together, connecting, and sharing your experiences and best practices.

Amongst yourselves and with the wider public.

Thank you for presenting a collection of very impressive stories, talents, and achievements of your work.

This anniversary is not just a moment to reflect on a decade of solidarity.

It is also a milestone to reaffirm the European Union's commitment as a trusted partner, responding to pressing needs and helping build pathways to stability, dignity, and hope.

I wish you an inspiring and successful MADAD Trust Fund anniversary event.

كلمة المفوضة دوبرافكا شويتسا في الذكرى العاشرة للصندوق الائتماني الإقليمي للاستجابة للأزمة السورية (مدد)، بوصفه رمزًا لدعم السوريين خارج سورية.