Don’t forget Syrians! AVSI’s stance at the European Parliament

On Tuesday, June 24, AVSI will take part in a roundtable discussion on Syria’s concrete needs and future prospects, hosted by MEP and Vice-Chair of the Group of the European People's Party, with the participation of Dubravka Šuica, Commissioner for Mediterranean Dimension.

As international attention turns to Syria’s political transition, the need for sustained support for the Syrian people is more urgent than ever. This is a pivotal moment to shift from short-term responses to a long-term vision for the country's future.

The recent softening of EU sanctions in key sectors of the Syrian economy, the European Parliament resolution calling for EU support for a just transition and reconstruction, and the Brussels IX Conference “Standing with Syria: Meeting the Needs for a Successful Transition” all signal a renewed European commitment to engage with Syria within the broader framework of the New Pact for the Mediterranean.

In this context, voices from Syria can help focus on real needs and foster dialogue between different actors, starting from concrete experiences.

Discussion will focus on the essential conditions to build Syria’s future: safety and security, peace and healing for the war generation, internal displacement and refugee return, sanctions and their impact, transitioning from humanitarian aid to development, civil society access and participation.

Brussels, European Parliament Meeting Room A5F385 (in-presence only) | Tuesday, June 24, 2024 from 10 to 11:30 AM (CEST) | English

Hosted by EPP Vice-Chairs Massimiliano Salini and Željana Zovko, with Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dimension, Dubravka Šuica.

10:00 – 10:20 Opening remarks

10:20 – 11:10 Listening to the needs of Syrian people – voices from the field

11:10 – 11:30 Moderated Q&A with open floor discussion

11:30 Concluding remarks
Željana Zovko, Vice-Chair Group of the European People's Party, in charge of EPP Diplomacy

AVSI has been steadily working in Syria since 2015, with an extensive network of partners and projects, to support the Syrian population, worn-out by 14 years of war and by the long-going economic, health and social crisis.

The political upheavals following the fall of the Syrian regime in December 2024 marked a new phase of transition and uncertainty, and the population's need for support remains urgent. AVSI continues to operate with determination in the urban and rural areas of Aleppo and Damascus, promoting psychosocial support interventions, economic assistance, vocational training, educational programs in public schools, and medical care.