The European Parliament has overwhelmingly adopted a resolution conditioning future European Union funding for Syria on measurable progress in human rights, civilian protection and respect for ceasefire agreements.
The move follows the EU’s €620 million recovery pledge and comes amid growing alarm over reported abuses against Kurdish communities. Lawmakers cited findings from the United Nations and non-governmental organisations describing extrajudicial killings, forced displacement and attacks on civilian infrastructure — violations that could amount to war crimes.
Parliament expressed strong support for the January 30 ceasefire between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). However, the Kurdish-majority city of Kobane remains under siege, and around 170,000 people have been displaced in north-east Syria.
In the resolution, MEPs stressed the importance of protecting the country’s ethnic and religious diversity, stating:
“Stability in north-east Syria is essential for a comprehensive, inclusive and just political transition. Syrian authorities must guarantee the protection and fundamental rights of all communities, including Arabs, Kurds, Sunnis, Shias, Alawites, Christians, Druze and Yazidis. Full recognition, equal rights and political participation of the Kurdish community are indispensable for a stable and inclusive Syria.”
Lawmakers urged the transitional government to enshrine these guarantees in the constitution while upholding Syria’s territorial integrity.
Photo: A session of European Parliament
