At the Brussels Syria Conference on 17 March 2025, the EU, its Member States, and international partners raised 5.8 billion euros to support Syrians in the transition of their country after the end of the Assad regime. Peace in Syria must be shaped by Syrians themselves.
Right now, Syrian civil society is taking on major responsibilities and fighting for a better future on the ground. The best strategy for the EU? Strengthening these forces! Simply inviting the de facto Syrian government is not enough. In a joint conference with Syrian civil society organisations, I emphasized that Syrian civil society organizations need a seat at every table where decisions about the country’s future are being made.
Press Conference with EuroMed Rights
To underline this demand, I participated in a press conference organized by EuroMed Rights, alongside fellow MEPs, Syrian civil society representatives, and human rights activists ahead of the Syria Conference. Speakers included:
- Cecilia Strada, S&D MEP and Vice President of the Delegation for Relations with the Mashreq Countries (DMAS)
- Muhanad Sharabati, Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression
- Fadi Hallisso, Basmeh and Zeitooneh
- Mariana Karkoutly, Huquqyat (Remote from Damascus)
No Reconstruction Without Accountability and Transitional Justice
While the Brussels conference mobilized additional funding for Syria, financial aid alone is not enough. Reconstruction must be accompanied by accountability and transitional justice. Crimes committed during the war and until today—by all actors—must be thoroughly investigated. Without justice, there can be no lasting peace. Future efforts must take into consideration:
- Including CSOs: Syrian civil society organizations must be included in dialogues and decisions about the country’s future.
- Empowering Civil Society & Women-Led Initiatives: The interim Syrian government must work alongside civil society, particularly women-led organizations and survivors of detention and torture. A victim-centered approach is crucial to ensure a just and inclusive future for Syria.
- Stepping Up Financial Aid: The EU must increase its commitments, especially as the U.S. scales back its engagement. Reconstruction requires resources, but it must also align with accountability measures to avoid legitimizing oppressive actors.
- Justice as the Foundation for Peace: The crimes of the Assad regime, other violent actors over the past 14 years, and recent escalations must be independently investigated. Transitional justice must include support for victims and their families, proper documentation of evidence, and a clear roadmap toward accountability.
- Refugee Protection and Migration Policy: Syria remains unsafe for returns. The EU must uphold international protection standards, resume processing asylum claims for Syrians, and establish clear national guidelines for go-and-see visas to allow refugees to assess conditions in their home areas without risking their protection status.
Find out more about my impressions from the conference in this article by RND. The European Parliament recently adopted a resolution on Syria, emphasizing the need for inclusive governance, justice, and an end to foreign interference.
