EU grants new package of 240m euros to support refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq

AMMAN — The European Union has granted a financial assistance package of 240 million euros to support refugees from Syria and vulnerable persons in Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon, raising the total assistance via the EU Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian Crisis to more than 2 billion euros.

According to a press statement on Tuesday, the new support is “particularly relevant” in the context of the current coronavirus pandemic and will provide additional help for the most vulnerable persons in the region and assist host countries to better face public health challenges, among others.

In Jordan, the newly adopted assistance package will contribute 27.5 million euros to provide inclusive, equitable and quality education for Syrians in the Kingdom’s refugee camps.

It will also present 22 million euros to improve the public health system in Jordan, including the prevention and management of diseases, in particular through primary healthcare, the statement read.

Furthermore, 11 million euros will go towards empowering local and refugee women and improve their access to livelihood opportunities in Jordan.

High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell said: “The European Union continues to stand by the Syrian refugees and neighbouring countries hosting them. Not only to face the most immediate challenges, including the coronavirus pandemic, but also to build up their future.”

“The EU will continue to support UN efforts for a comprehensive political solution to the Syrian conflict, mobilise necessary financial support for Syria and neighbouring countries, as well as provide a unique platform for dialogue with civil society,” he noted in the statement, adding that this year, the EU will host its fourth Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region.

Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi commented: “The European Union is stepping up its assistance to countries hosting Syrian refugees, in particular Jordan and Lebanon but also others, as a signal of solidarity with the most vulnerable populations in difficult circumstances, exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.”

“The package of close to 240 million euros puts a particular emphasis on critical sectors for vulnerable populations such as social assistance, health, education and child protection. This will help strengthen the resilience of those already facing difficult situations to better face the multiple challenges linked to the coronavirus,” he said in the statement.

According to the statement, this approved assistance package is part of already ongoing efforts to support Syrian refugees and Syria's neighbouring countries, pledged and provided through the EU Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian Crisis since 2014.

The assistance package was adopted by the Operational Board of the trust fund, which brings together the European Commission, EU Member States, the United Kingdom and Turkey. Observers of the Operational Board include Members of the European Parliament, representatives from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, the World Bank and the Syria Recovery Trust Fund.