Syria seeks EBRD membership and increased humanitarian aid

Syria is pursuing economic reintegration and increased humanitarian support as it navigates a transitional phase. The Syrian government has officially applied for membership in the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). During meetings at the IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meetings, Syrian officials discussed infrastructure financing through public-private partnerships and banking sector reforms with EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso. Financing for private-sector initiatives is projected to potentially begin in the first half of 2027.

Simultaneously, Syria is seeking to strengthen ties with the German private sector. At an economic forum in Cottbus, Syrian representatives met with the German-Syrian Business Council to discuss market needs and investment opportunities.

On the diplomatic front, the UN Security Council recently held a session regarding Syria’s humanitarian crisis. Syrian UN Ambassador Ibrahim Olabi called for a ‘genuine partnership’ from the international community to support reconstruction and stability. This comes as approximately 90% of the population lives in poverty and millions face displacement. UN officials warned that the situation for displaced persons could worsen as winter approaches, noting that while four million people have returned to their areas of origin since last December, essential services and housing remain severely lacking.