EU mobilizes more than 1 billion euros for the fight against IS

(Baonghean) - In a recent announcement, the European Union (EU) said it will spend more than 1 billion euros to finance political, social and humanitarian measures not only in Syria, Iraq but also in Lebanon, Jordan and Türkiye.

European Union headquarters in Strasbourg. Photo: AFP

Recently, the EU spokesman said that Europe will disburse 1 billion euros within 2 years to deal with the crisis in Syria and Iraq as well as the "threats" caused by the Islamic State organization IS. Ms. Federica Mogherini - High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union stated that these funds allow to build "a comprehensive strategy" for "political, social and humanitarian goals not only in Syria, Iraq but also in Lebanon, Jordan and Türkiye".

“This package will strengthen Europe’s efforts to restore peace and security in regions that have been devastated by terrorism and have suffered violence for too long,” said Federica. The new EU strategy includes “diplomatic commitment and the provision of core services in developing programmes to counter extremism, counter terrorist financing, counter the influx of foreigners to extremist organisations and help control borders better,” she said.

EU members have agreed to the plan and by March, the drafters will present a detailed implementation roadmap for member state representatives to consider. According to a source from the European Commission, the EU has increased security and political cooperation with Arab countries and Turkey in the fight against radical Islamists, especially after the bloody attacks that occurred in France. In January, European foreign ministers also agreed to call on more of their allies in the fight against terrorism worldwide.

Currently, with more than 3.2 billion euros in aid, the EU remains the main donor to victims of the ongoing crisis in Syria. If the above plan is approved, about 40% of the funds will continue to be used to support Syrian and Iraqi refugees in European relief centers in the Middle East. The EU's goal is to "prevent the domino effect" of the crisis in Syria and Iraq or help the two countries' neighbors cope with the influx of about 3.8 million refugees, while "ensuring the safety and supporting the ability to rebuild communities for refugees".

The remainder of the fund will be earmarked for the “fight against terrorism” by strengthening “EU member states’ efforts to prevent the transfer of their citizens to fight for extremist groups” and helping EU countries “counter violent extremism”.

Chu Thanh

According to Liberation