EU pledges €235 million aid for Syria, urges inclusive transition
“You are writing history, and we encourage you to leave a positive trace. Building an inclusive future for all Syrians is essential,” she said, highlighting the necessity for the rule of law, human rights, and women’s rights.

Jan. 17, 2025
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The European Union has announced a major humanitarian aid package for Syria and neighboring countries, indicating a crucial moment in international engagement with Syria following the removal of Bashar al-Assad.
Hadja Lahbib, the EU’s crisis management chief, announced the €235 million ($242 million) aid package during her visit to Damascus on Friday—the first by a senior EU official since Assad’s downfall.
The funds intend to address vital humanitarian necessities, including shelter, food, clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and education.
“We count on the authorities to ensure unrestricted and safe access for humanitarian actors to all regions of Syria, including hard-to-reach and conflict-affected areas,” Lahbib said at a press conference after meeting Syria’s interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Turning Point for Syria
The visit comes against the backdrop of a flurry of diplomatic activity, with officials from France, Germany, Spain, and Qatar making similar trips in recent weeks.
Lahbib underlined the significance of this moment in Syria’s history, describing it as a "turning point" for the country and its people.
“You are writing history, and we encourage you to leave a positive trace. Building an inclusive future for all Syrians is essential,” she said, highlighting the necessity for the rule of law, human rights, and women’s rights.
Sharaa, whose Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) led the offensive that overthrew Assad in December, has tried to assure international stakeholders.
The transitional government, tasked with leading Syria until March 1, has promised to respect the country’s multi-ethnic and multi-sectarian fabric.
Sanctions Under Scrutiny
The EU’s aid package comes as the transitional government increases its efforts to lift international sanctions imposed during Syria's civil war. Lahbib recognized the intricacy of the issue, remarking that any decision to alleviate measures would require agreement among the EU’s 27 member states.
“We will need unanimity to lift the sanctions,” she said, adding that discussions are planned for an EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels on Jan. 27, 2025.
Calls for reassessing sanctions have gained momentum, with UN rights chief Volker Turk calling for their revision earlier this week, mentioning their adverse effects on Syrians' livelihoods.
Regional and Global Engagement
Syria’s neighbors, including Lebanon, have endured the worst of the refugee crisis, accommodating millions displaced by the conflict.
Lahbib praised these efforts while calling for sustained international support for the region.
The EU’s announcement signals increasing international interest in calming Syria post-Assad. However, many nations remain alert, waiting to evaluate how the new leadership navigates governance and inclusivity before fully committing to lifting sanctions or providing broader support.