The European Union (EU) has launched its first comprehensive strategy to tackle the crises in Syria and Iraq, the European Commission announced Friday.
The EU has pledged 1 billion euros (about $1.13 billion) in funding for the next two years, Xinhua news agency reported.
The EU will ensure steady funding for essential priorities including relief, stabilisation and development in the region, as well as countering the threat posed by terrorist groups such as Islamic State(IS).
Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey will also benefit from the new strategy besides Syria and Iraq.
"This package will strengthen our action to help restore peace and security in a region that is so close to us and that has been devastated by terrorism and violence for too long," said EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini.