EU plans donor conference for Syria's reconstruction

By Selen Valente

BRUSSELS (AA) – The EU announced on Friday that it is considering efforts for Syria's reconstruction, including preparations for the 9th Brussels Conference to support Syria.

At the daily press briefing, EU Foreign Affairs spokesman Anouar El Anouni responded to an Anadolu reporter's question: "Does the EU have concrete plans for Syria's reconstruction as a path to normalize the situation and permanently resolve the crisis following the collapse of the Baath regime?"

Discussions on this matter are ongoing, El Anouni said in his response.

Citing the conference held in Brussels since 2017, he confirmed that efforts to plan a donor conference focused on Syria have begun.

He emphasized that steps toward reconstruction are being considered but added, "The reflection is now ongoing, and let's not prejudge at this stage what it will lead to."

- EU to enhance diplomatic presence in Damascus

El Anouni recalled that the EU sent a high-level diplomatic delegation to Damascus on Dec. 16.

He clarified, "This does not mean that the delegation is, now, as we speak, fully reopened. The EU will be increasing its presence through the regular missions of the charge d'affairs, as instructed by the High Representative, until the EU delegation will be able to fully reopen and be operational again in Damascus."

The EU Leaders’ Summit on Thursday reached a consensus on its approach to Syria.

EU Council President Antonio Costa summarized this approach, stating, "We aim to ensure a peaceful and inclusive transition, maintain territorial integrity, guarantee respect for human rights, including women’s rights, and protect religious and ethnic minorities."

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen added, "We have established political channels for talks with HTS. These are based on the existing channels we use for humanitarian aid. Being on the ground now and having political channels with HTS and other groups is proving effective. The return of our top diplomat to Damascus is also good."