Italy Contributes €385,000 to OPCW Trust Fund for Syria Missions

Italy Bolsters Chemical Weapons Elimination Efforts in Syria

The Government of Italy has made a voluntary contribution of €385,000 to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons' (OPCW) Trust Fund for Syria Missions. This financial support, formalized on December 12, 2025, at a signing ceremony at the OPCW headquarters in The Hague, underscores Italy's ongoing commitment to global chemical disarmament and non-proliferation.

The agreement was signed by H.E. Mr. Augusto Massari, Italy's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the OPCW, and Ambassador Fernando Arias, Director-General of the OPCW.

Purpose of the Contribution

The funds are earmarked to strengthen the OPCW's capacity to carry out technical activities on the ground in Syria. Specifically, the contribution will support efforts to:

• Identify and eliminate remnants of Syria's former chemical weapons program.
• Prevent the re-emergence or proliferation of chemical agents.
• Assist Syria in meeting its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
• Advance stabilization efforts and enhance security in Syria and the wider region.

Ambassador Massari stated that 'Italy has consistently supported the OPCW's work in Syria. This contribution underscores our commitment to strengthening the OPCW's capacity to carry out technical activities on the ground.' He added that it 'will support the Syrian Arab Republic in achieving full compliance with its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention and help safeguard the integrity of the global chemical disarmament and non-proliferation regime.'

OPCW Director-General's Appreciation and Broader Context

OPCW Director-General Ambassador Fernando Arias expressed his sincere gratitude for Italy's support, noting the importance of collective action to address the challenges associated with the Syrian chemical weapons dossier. He urged other States Parties to provide similar assistance, emphasizing that resources beyond those available to the OPCW Secretariat and Syria are needed to complete mandated tasks.

Syria acceded to the CWC in 2013, but the extent of its chemical weapons program was not fully disclosed by previous authorities. Recent political developments, including the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 and the new Syrian government's commitment to cooperate with the OPCW, have created an opportunity to ensure the verified destruction of all remaining chemical weapons.

Italy's Enduring Commitment

This latest contribution reflects Italy's long-standing dedication to the OPCW's mission. Italy has been an active member of the OPCW since 1997 and has previously contributed approximately €3.8 million to various OPCW trust funds, supporting initiatives ranging from chemical safety and technology centers to Syria-related disarmament efforts.