Ninety-six (96) local, regional, and international organizations and entities (prime actors) were identified by their peers as influential in the life of Syria. In the chart below, the left column ranks the prime actors from most influential in shaping the life in Syria (Russia) to the least influential (Relief International).

The chart also shows the classification of prime actors into five stances indicating the actor's support and contribution to inclusive nationalism for Syria, starting from the most committed (Core) to the least committed (Saboteur).

Amount of influence of the European Union in the life of Syria, and the commitment of the EU to inclusive nationalism for Syria.

25 prime actors participated in the following:

  • Determining the rank of the European Union according to the amount of its influence on life in Syria. As shown in the chart below, the EU ranked 8th most influential prime actor.
  • Assessing and classifying the European Union according to its commitment to inclusive nationalism for Syria (also indicated in the same row by the colored rectangle). Of the 25 prime actors who participated in the assessments, more agreed that the EU falls under the category of 'Follower'. A prime actor assessed as Follower is seen as willing to build a sovereign, stable, inclusive, and developing Syria, but only when it serves its own interests.
Syria R3 PA EU x.jpg

In response to the question, “How is the European Union important in the life of Syria?” 

Round 3 participants stated (Nov. 2016 - Jul. 2017):

"The European Union promoted open borders without having a way to secure the borders. The United Kingdom may have Brexited because of the Syrian refugee problem. Germany will probably have a permanent Syrian population. The refugee crisis is fundamentally changing the demographics in member states, causing huge instability.” (239312)

"They were prepared to fund Assad for reconstruction, but have pivoted since the US bombing of the airfield.” (236592)

"They play an important humanitarian role, but they're not effective politically. As Syria stabilizes they will probably help in reconstruction.” (233121)

"They are important because of the refugee situation.” (235781)

"They are our friends.” (230713)

"They are the second largest funder. They take on refugees, and take a role in finding a solution.” (233911)

"They play a very important economic role.” (233881)

"Turkey is taking over the EU's [role in Syria]. A wave of nationalism is overtaking Europe which affects its potential influence in 10 years.” (238631)
 

Round 2 participants stated (Aug. 2016 - Oct. 2017):

“They are working on the humanitarian aid side along with the political. They have good contacts in Syria in the humanitarian direction. One of the most important things they are doing is taking the refugees.” (221641)

“They are important for funding only.” (220291)

“I disagree that they are a major funder. I don’t trust what [I] hear about them.” (223911)

“They are the major source for humanitarian assistance.” (228631) 

“They provide money for humanitarian aid and have political weight in the international arena.” (223911)

“They are important because of the funds they provide, and the number of refugees they are hosting, or afraid of hosting.” (228631)


A Round 1 participated stated (Jan. 2016 - May 2016):

“They are a major funder.” (212631)