European Union pledges 1 billion euros in refugee support to Turkey

The 8th Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region was held in Brussels, the capital of Belgium. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell announced that the EU has pledged approximately 2 billion euros in support for Syrian refugees, stating that 560 million euros of this support for 2024 and 2025 will be allocated to refugees in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Jordan, while 1 billion euros will be allocated to refugees in Turkey. 

Emphasizing at the beginning of the conference that financial aid pledges for Syrian refugees in the region were insufficient and that the European Union must exert more effort for a political solution to the Syrian crisis, Borrell said, "The European Union would have wished that for all refugees, everywhere and at all times, return home would be a real option, but we agree with the United Nations that currently, the conditions for a safe, voluntary, and dignified return to Syria are not in place."

At the conference, which brought together ministers from European and Arab countries, Borrell stated, "We expect our partners to respect international law, in particular the principle of non-refoulement, and to condemn practices of forced deportation."

CRISIS WARNING

Speaking at the conference, Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bouhabib warned that Lebanon is facing a crisis due to Syrian refugees and that such a crisis could also affect other countries in the region. 

Emphasizing that they are in agreement that maintaining the current situation regarding refugees in Lebanon poses an existential threat to the country, Bouhabib announced that the purpose of their participation, upon the recommendation of the Lebanese parliament, was "to prepare a detailed and programmed plan for the return of Syrian refugees, with the exception of special cases protected by Lebanese law."

Bouhabib stated that Lebanon can no longer bear the burden of hosting displaced persons and cannot take on the role of border guard for other countries.

"REFUGEES WILL SUFFER MORE"

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi emphasized that his country would continue to do its best for Syrian refugees, but added, "However, if aid is not provided and the international community does not assume its responsibilities, our services for refugees will decrease and refugees will suffer more."

A group of Lebanese protesters opposed to the presence of Syrian refugees in their country held a demonstration during the Syria Conference in Brussels.