EU Marks 10 Years of the Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian Crisis, the Madad Fund

On 10 September, the European Union (EU) commemorates the 10th anniversary of the EU Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian Crisis, known as the Madad Fund, with a flagship event in Amman, Jordan. The event, hosted at the Swafieh Village, will gather institutional leaders, programme stakeholders, implementing partners, beneficiaries, and the wider public to honour a decade of solidarity and collective action addressing one of the world’s most enduring humanitarian crises.

Established in December 2014, the Fund has mobilised €2.38 billion – with contributions from 21 EU Member States, the United Kingdom, and Türkiye – to support more than 12 million Syrian refugees and their host communities across neighbouring countries, in particular Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Türkiye.

Over the past ten years, more than 120 concrete Madad-funded actions on the ground have delivered vital support in education, livelihoods, healthcare, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), as well as protection and opportunities for social cohesion. Key results include:

• Over 1 million children enrolled in school;
• Over 5.8 million people gaining access to quality healthcare, including prevention and primary care;
• Over 2 million people provided with safe drinking water;
• Over 1.5 million people supported to improve their livelihoods and income through skills development and entrepreneurship programs;
• Around 500,000 vulnerable individuals receiving psychosocial support;
• Over 1 million people benefiting from services fostering dialogue and inclusion.

In the lead-up to the event, the Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, said: "The Madad Fund is not only a success story, it is also a living proof of what solidarity can achieve. With 2.4 billion Euro, we have touched over 12 million lives, delivering essential services and hope where they were needed most. We have built and upgraded 16,000 schools - enabling 1 million children to resume their education - hospitals, and community centres that will serve generations to come.”

Also reflecting on the anniversary, Ms Henrike Trautmann, Head of the Middle East Directorate at the EU’s Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf (DG MENA), shared:

"For the past ten years, the EU Regional Trust Fund has been a lifeline for millions affected by the Syria crisis. This anniversary is not only a time to reflect on our joint achievements, but also an opportunity to reaffirm the EU’s steadfast commitment to supporting Syria and its people. The resilience and talent demonstrated by Syrians over the past decade, together with the solidarity of neighbouring countries, give us renewed hope for the future.”

The anniversary event will unfold in two parts:

• Morning session: high-level panel discussions and technical exchanges will focus on lessons learned, the sustainability of support, and the future of EU assistance to Syria and the wider region.
• Afternoon session: interactive workshops, live testimonials, and a cultural programme will showcase the voices and talents of Syrian and Jordanian artists through art, music and film.

In parallel, an interactive fair will offer visitors the chance to experience first-hand the impact of EUTF-funded initiatives. From handmade crafts and culinary creations to traditional arts, live skills demonstrations, and multimedia showcases, the fair will bring to life inspiring stories from the Madad Fund’s decade-long journey.

Highlighting the EU’s ongoing commitment to supporting Syrians and their host communities in Jordan, the event will also feature the signing of a new agreement between the EU Delegation to Jordan, UNHCR, and WFP. With a contribution of EUR 22,850,000, the EU will continue to address the most urgent needs of the vulnerable refugees and their host communities, while supporting activities that promote their self-reliance.

The anniversary is therefore not only a moment to look back on a decade of solidarity, but also a milestone to reaffirm the EU’s role as a reliable partner in responding to humanitarian needs and in building pathways towards stability, dignity and hope.