Sweden adjusts development assistance to Syria to support reconstruction and returns
Published
The Government has decided to make changes to Sweden’s development assistance to Syria in order to adapt it to developments in the country since the fall of the Assad regime. The change means that it will now be possible to support public institutions in Syria so as to contribute to reconstruction, economic recovery and democratic development in the country. This will also facilitate returns. The strategy is also extended until 2027, with funding raised by SEK 295 million.
“The fall of the Assad regime brings new opportunities to support democratic development, the building up of public institutions and economic recovery. The Government is now making changes in development assistance to Syria to support its reconstruction and increase opportunities for returns. The Syrian people deserve peace, democracy and the opportunity to return and rebuild their country,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa.
Even though the brutal Assad regime has fallen, Syria still faces enormous challenges. Two thirds of the country’s population are in need of humanitarian support and 90 per cent live below the poverty line. Half of the population, nearly 14 million people, are displaced, either within Syria or outside the country. Support to civil society, women’s rights organisations and independent media is now supplemented by the possibility to enhance public institutions and government agencies in Syria.
Swedish development assistance to Syria
Sweden has been one of the largest donors of development assistance to Syria in recent years. It was also one of the first countries to introduce development assistance beyond humanitarian support to Syria in 2016, and also one of the first to work throughout Syria. Sweden’s regional strategy for the Syria crisis for the period 2024–2026 was adopted in June 2024 and comprises a total of SEK 880 million. With the Government’s decision, the strategy is extended until 2027 and funding increased by SEK 295 million.
Press contact
Press Secretary to Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa
Phone (switchboard) +46 8 405 10 00
