Speech by Commissioner Lahbib at the Standing with Syria: Brussels IX Conference

European Commission -Speech [Check Against Delivery] Speech by Commissioner Lahbib at the Standing with Syria: Brussels IX Conference Brussels, 17 March 2025 After more than a decade of war, displacement, and hardship, Syria is at a turning point. The fall of the Assad regime has opened a new chapter — with immense challenges but also with unprecedented opportunities to rebuild a nation. During this political transformation, the humanitarian needs remain staggering. Just a snapshot of the situation on the ground: Three out of four Syrians — over 16 million people — still need humanitarian aid. More than half of the population faces food insecurity. The education and healthcare systems are under immense strain, leaving millions without basic services. Two out of three Syrians live in extreme poverty. Infrastructure is crumbling and the economy is in freefall. The scars of war —both physical and emotional — run deep. More than 12 million Syrians have been forcibly displaced, with over seven million internally displaced and almost two million living in camps. The Syria of today is like post-World War Two Europe before the Marshall Plan. We need coordinated international action to keep up the humanitarian aid. As Syria rebuilds, millions will still rely on humanitarian assistance. We must continue to address their lifesaving needs and protect the most vulnerable. Since the beginning of the Syria crisis in 2011, the EU and its Member States have mobilised nearly €37...