Brussels, 11 March 2025
Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the recent wave of violence
The European Union is gravely alarmed by the widespread violence in Syria’s coastal region over the last days, which has caused a high number of victims, including many civilians. We strongly condemn the attacks by pro-Assad militias against security forces. We also condemn in the strongest terms the horrific crimes committed against civilians, including summary killings, many of which have been allegedly perpetrated by armed groups supporting the security forces of the transitional authorities.
We welcome the commitments made by the transitional authorities, and in particular the establishment of an investigative committee, in order to hold the perpetrators accountable in line with international law norms and standards. The EU calls for a swift, transparent and impartial investigation to be conducted to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. We call on the transitional authorities to allow the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic to investigate all violations. Everything must be done to prevent any such crimes from happening again.
The EU continues to call for an end to violence across Syria, and urges all parties to protect Syrians from all religious and ethnic backgrounds without discrimination; it also calls for the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, and respect of international human rights law and international humanitarian law in all circumstances. We also warn against the rampant manipulation of information, including by foreign actors, to stir further violence and instability.
The EU welcomes the agreement reached on 10 March between the transitional authorities and the SDF. This agreement could pave the way for increased stability and a better future for many Syrians. We encourage the parties to work on implementation and we stand ready to support.
The National Dialogue, which started in the end of February, should be instrumental to ensure that the transition delivers on the aspirations of all the components of Syrian society. Comprehensive transitional justice in particular is essential on the path to reconciliation and to building a peaceful Syria and an inclusive political transition.
The EU recalls its recent suspension of restrictive measures as part of a gradual, reversible approach. The EU will continue to examine possible further sanctions suspensions on the basis of close monitoring of the situation in the country.
The EU once again calls for the full respect of Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. The EU is committed to supporting a peaceful and inclusive transition, away from malign foreign interference, which guarantees the rights of all Syrians without distinction of any kind.
Source – EU Council
Leading MEPs condemn the resurgence of violence in Syria and the killing of civilians
Strasbourg, 11 March 2025
The return to peace in the region passes through a transition in Syria that ensures the protection of all Syrians, say MEPs in a joint statement.
Following last week´s reports about attacks against civilians including pillaging and summary executions of numerous persons in Syria, the Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, David McAllister (EPP, DE), the Chair of the European Parliament’s Sub-committee on Human Rights, Mounir Satouri (Greens/EFA, FR), the Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for relations with the Mashreq countries, Laurent Castillo (EPP, FR), and the Standing Rapporteur for Syria, Nathalie Loiseau (Renew, FR), issued this statement:
“We have followed with extreme concern the many reports of clashes in the coastal areas of Syria over the last week and the alarming accounts of attacks against civilians, particularly in Alawite and Christian communities. The alleged sectarian nature of these attacks, which include pillaging and summary executions exceeding a thousand casualties overall, undermine Syria’s path towards peace and reconciliation.
We endorse the statement by the EEAS spokesperson that civilians have to be protected in all circumstances in full respect of international humanitarian law, and call on all armed groups and individuals to immediately cease all violence against civilians.
We take note of Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s statement that the authorities will hold accountable, firmly and without leniency, anyone who was involved in the killing of civilians. We call for these principles to be upheld for all perpetrators, regardless of political or sectarian affiliations, by setting up an independent impartial investigation and granting access to the affected areas to international investigators.
The European Parliament is holding a debate in Strasbourg this evening, Tuesday 11 March, and adopting a resolution tomorrow on the need for EU support towards a just transition and reconstruction in Syria. As outlined by the UN OHCHR, this recent resurgence of violence demonstrates the urgent need for a thorough transitional justice process that is victim-centred and inclusive, and focused on truth, justice and accountability.
We reiterate that all components of Syrian society and of all geographic areas, that is to say all religious and ethnic communities, women, civil society, peaceful opposition forces, must be guaranteed protection and safeguard from persecution, violence and discrimination. We also reiterate the European Parliament’s support for Syria’s stability, territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence and we call on all external actors to respect these principles. The return to peace in the region passes through a transition in Syria that fulfils the democratic aspirations of all its people and ensures the protection of all Syrians.
Syria needs to continue and step up its efforts to allow its people to live in dignity and peace”.
Further information
Source – EU Parliament