The European Commission on Friday adopted a special measure for Syria, under the European Neighborhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI), to enable a rapid, simple response to the most pressing needs of the Syrian population and Syrian refugees.
In addition to the humanitarian assistance already provided by the Commission, the special measure that amounts to EUR 23 million will help respond to the crisis situation in Syria itself and in areas affected by the influx of refugees in neighboring Lebanon and Jordan.
Actions carried out as part of the special measure will be wide in scope and may include the delivery of basic and specialized education and health services, support to livelihoods, capacity building, support to the media, cultural activities and civil society.
EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton, said that "while the international community must continue to support (UN-Arab League Special Envoy) Kofi Annan's plan and use all its influence to stop the violence and begin a transition, the European Union remains strongly committed to supporting the Syrian people in this time of suffering. We need to deliver all the support we can."
With Syria entering the second year of civil unrest, life for the population has become ever more difficult, with no obvious solution in sight. Basic commodities are expensive and access to fundamental services such as education and health is becoming increasingly challenging. Everyday life has become unpredictable and isolated, systemic acts of violence have spread almost over the entire Syrian territory. According to the U.N. estimate, this situation has until now led to approximately one million displaced people including, over 40,000 refugees.
Given the circumstances and the operational constraints on the ground, focus will be put on projects implemented by partners with a solid track record in the country and in the region. This will complement the EUR 10 million funding of humanitarian projects already undertaken by the European Commission in Syria and in the countries hosting Syrian refugees.
In Syria itself, EUR 12.6 million will be made immediately available to assist the Syrian people in coping with the unrest and its consequences and preparing for a transition.
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