Enabel’s emerging role in Syria’s transition

Syria’s political transition since December 2024 has opened a fragile but genuine window for reconstruction after more than a decade of conflict.

While social divisions, destroyed infrastructure and widespread displacement continue to shape daily realities, early signs of recovery are visible: institutions are slowly resuming operations, economic activity is reemerging, and international actors are cautiously returning. In this evolving context, Belgium, alongside European partners, has begun a progressive diplomatic reengagement, aiming to support a rights-based socio-economic recovery to foster peace and stability for an inclusive transition.

As reconstruction needs reach an estimated USD 250–400 billion, the European Union, the UN, bilateral donors, Gulf states, and Turkey are scaling up their involvement. With EU sanctions lifted in 2025 and European agencies preparing in-country presences, opportunities arise for coordinated international action. Belgium’s renewed engagement, centred on stability efforts positions it as a constructive actor within broader European strategies.

Enabel proposes a phased, context-sensitive pathway to support Belgium’s role. Preliminary exploratory missions were conducted in late 2025 and early 2026 with the goal of establishing high-level contacts to discuss Syria’s priorities, align them with Belgium’s interests and the EU’s stance, and assess operational conditions. This was undertaken to identify potential areas where Enabel could deliver tangible value and support Syria’s socio-economic recovery.

Future initiatives may benefit from leveraging Enabel’s experience in conflict-affected regions including Ukraine, Palestine and Jordan. Potential strategic entry points for early recovery should focus on enhancing the governance and institutional capacity of Syrian authorities. Support may encompass areas such as port governance, systemic reintegration efforts, digitalization of civil registries, and climate-related issues. Additionally, fostering an enabling environment for job creation will require investments in skills development, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), as well as measures aimed at supporting the private sector.

Through this calibrated approach, Enabel stands ready to contribute to a more stable, resilient, and inclusive Syria, reinforcing Belgium’s commitment to peace, regional stability, and European cooperation.

Further consultations and alignment discussions with Belgium and the Syrian authorities will continue in 2026 to identify the most relevant niche for future engagement.