Damascus hosts EU “Day of Dialogue” with Syrian civil society for first time
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The ninth edition of the “Day of Dialogue” with Syrian civil society organizations commenced on Saturday in Damascus, marking the first time the event has been held in the Syrian capital.
Previously, the dialogue had been held annually in Brussels since 2017 as part of the Brussels Conference on Supporting Syria, known this year as “Brussels 9.”
This year’s event focuses on the role of civil society within Syria and is organized jointly by the European Union and Syrian civil society organizations, in coordination with the Syrian transitional government, the EU announced on Friday.
In his opening remarks, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and civil society, saying, “Today we launch a strong partnership with civil society and our European partners.”
“Civil society is not a new phenomenon but an extension of local unions, humanitarian initiatives, and student movements that have operated under the most challenging circumstances,” he added.
Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Hind Qabawat, added that dialogue is “the beginning of change” and that rebuilding Syria requires a close partnership based on mutual respect between the state and society.
EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Suica, said that holding the “Day of Dialogue” in Syria demonstrates the EU’s “enduring support for inclusiveness, reconciliation and a safe and vibrant civic space in Syria.”
Vice President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, noted that “Syria now has a chance to rebuild the country in a way that reflects the will of the Syrian people,” highlighting that the EU’s support goes beyond words, encompassing concrete action, including €2.5 billion allocated for reconstruction efforts.
Participants in this year’s dialogue are discussing key priorities for Syria’s transition, including transitional justice, social cohesion, the shift from humanitarian aid to social and economic recovery, and youth empowerment.
In a statement, the EU described the event in Damascus as “a significant step in the EU’s support for a safe, enabling, and independent civic space in Syria, and its readiness to accompany Syrians on their path toward reconciliation and social cohesion.”
EU Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, described holding the dialogue in Damascus as a “milestone” after 14 years of conflict, stating that it enables Syrians to meet for genuine, Syrian-led dialogue on rebuilding their country.
Since 2017, the EU has hosted annual donor conferences in Brussels to support Syria. This year’s conference, “Standing with Syria: Meeting the Needs of a Successful Transition,” included for the first time a civil society dialogue event in Damascus.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had announced on March 17 that the civil society-focused “Day of Dialogue” would be held in Damascus for the first time since the Brussels conferences began.
The “Day of Dialogue” is part of the annual Brussels Conference on Supporting Syria, launched in 2017 to mobilize international support for Syria’s recovery.
The event aims to strengthen civil society engagement, promote social cohesion, and facilitate the country’s transition from conflict to sustainable recovery.
EU officials highlight that bringing the dialogue to Damascus reflects confidence in local actors and a shift toward Syrian-led solutions.
The 2025 Brussels 9 conference allocated €2.5 billion for reconstruction, emphasizing tangible action alongside diplomatic support.
Reporting by Agid Meshmesh