EU strengthens its support to stabilisation in areas liberated from Da’esh in north-western Syria

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The European Union has adopted a new €18 million programme to support stabilisation work in areas liberated from Da’esh by the Global Coalition in north-eastern Syria. The new programme will contribute to the provision of basic services, such as water supplies and demining, within the governorates of Raqqa and Deir Ez-Zor. It is funded under the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace and will complement on-going humanitarian and stabilisation efforts by the European Union, EU member states and other partners from the Global Coalition. High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini said: “The European Union has always been at the side of Syrians. Since 2011, we have mobilised around €17 billion to help Syrians affected by the conflict and their host communities. In accordance with the commitments takenduring the Third Brussels Conference, we are stepping up our engagement to address humanitarian needs and support stabilisation in the areas liberated from Da’esh. This work is essential to allow the local communities to go back to live in safety and we will never withhold our support to the Syrian people.” As the conflict in Syria has entered its ninth year with continued suffering and a dire humanitarian crisis, the liberation of provinces in north-eastern Syria from Da’esh by the Global Coalition constitutes an important step towards eliminating the threat of the terrorist organisation in the region and remains a priority for the European Union.

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