On 24 and 25 April, the EU hosted the second Brussels Conference “Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region”(Brussels II), co-chaired with the United Nations. The high-level conference aimed at strengthening international community support for a political solution in Syria to end the seven-year war and path a lasting peace and regional stability. It has been reaffirmed that a feasible political solution has to be based on past UN Security Council resolutions, and that there can be no military solution to the conflict. As stated in the Conference declaration, ‘’only an inclusive, comprehensive and genuine political solution in accordance with UNSCR 2254 and the Geneva Communiqué, that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people for dignity and freedom will ensure a sustainable end to the Syrian conflict, prevent regional escalation and a return of ISIL/Da’esh, and guarantee a peaceful and prosperous future for Syria and the region.’’

The political process is key also for the reconstruction of Syria, as the EU contribution to reconstruction efforts ‘’will come only once the political process started and is well underway under UN auspices,” EU HR/VP Federica Mogherini stated.

Brussels II gathered 86 delegations from 57 States, 10 representatives of regional organisations and International Financial Institutions as well as 19 UN agencies.  The civil society was also largely included. The first day of the Conference was devoted to a high-level dialogue with representatives from 164 NGOs, including 15 from Syria and 72 from the three main refugee-hosting countries, Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan. In addition, Syrian Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from across Syria and neighbouring countries discussed their role in the future of Syria in a closed-door side event undertaken by the EU and the Office for the Special Envoy for Syria. The CSOs’ views were further presented during the ministerial plenary on 25 April.

Regarding humanitarian assistance, the Conference pledged EUR 6.2 Billion for 2018 and 2019, from which the EU and its Member States provided 77 percent.

The main conclusions of the conference were gathered in a joint declaration adopted by the co-chair countries, including several annexes on supporting the resilience of host countries and refugees in the context of the Syrian crisis.