Definitions of ‘reconstruction’, ‘early recovery’ and ‘resilience’ in the EU's Syria strategy

3.5.2018

Question for written answer E-002473-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Neena Gill (S&D) , Kathleen Van Brempt (S&D)

In its 2017 Syria strategy, the EU reiterates its policy of assisting in reconstruction only when a political transition in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 is under way.

With regard to early recovery, the strategy is more ambiguous: while the paragraph that outlines the EU’s goals on ‘resilience’ refers to support for certain early recovery efforts ‘throughout the country’, the strategy elsewhere rules out early recovery before a political agreement is reached.

In view of the ongoing reconstruction efforts driven by the Syrian regime and its allies, it is vital that the EU prevents demographic engineering by the Assad regime. Clarity on the options available to EU actors is key.

1. Can the Commission clarify the respective definitions for the terms ‘reconstruction’, ‘early recovery’, ‘stabilisation’ and ‘resilience’ as used in the 2017 Syria strategy, the April 2018 Foreign Affairs Council conclusions and the Madad Fund’s Constitutive Agreement?

2. Can the Commission state in what parts of the country early recovery as per the EU’s definition is being undertaken — or can be envisaged — prior to a political transition, and on what conditions areas outside north-eastern Syria, such as the Euphrates Shield area, could be included?

3. Can the Commission explain how it will ensure that any such actions are geared towards supporting civilians while preventing demographic engineering?