The European Union (EU) calls for a peaceful political transition in Syria, emphasising the importance of respecting the rights of all Syrians and restoring justice. In a statement made by Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on behalf of the EU following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, the EU expressed support for all Syrians—both those within the country and in the diaspora—who are filled with hope and those fearful of an uncertain future.
The High Representative highlighted that all Syrians should be able to reunite, stabilise, and rebuild their country under restored justice and ensured accountability. The statement celebrated the end of the criminal regime of Assad, which has caused immense suffering, and praised the resilience of the Syrian people in their pursuit of dignity, freedom, and justice. The EU views the regime’s fall as a historic moment for the Syrian people.
“All Syrians should now have the chance to know the truth about the fate of their loved ones,” the statement reads. The EU has expressed its commitment to preserving Syria’s territorial integrity and ensuring its independence, sovereignty, and state institutions while rejecting all forms of extremism. This task is deemed critical.
The EU urges all stakeholders to avoid further violence, protect civilians, and uphold international law, including humanitarian law. The statement emphasises the protection of all minority groups, including Christians and other non-majority communities, and ensuring the safety of foreign nationals and respect for diplomatic missions in Damascus. Additionally, the EU calls upon all parties to safeguard Syria’s rich cultural heritage and religious monuments. During the civil war, several cultural heritage sites have suffered from attacks by ISIS.
The High Representative encourages all involved to engage in an inclusive, Syrian-led dialogue on key issues to facilitate an orderly, peaceful, and inclusive transition by the spirit of UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and the will of the Syrian people. In this regard, the EU strongly supports the ongoing efforts of the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, through all relevant EU instruments.
The statement highlights that the EU remains in close contact with regional partners and key international allies. However, EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni clarified that the European Union is not in communication with the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which currently holds power in Damascus. HTS emerged as a split from Syria’s Al-Qaeda branch in 2016 and is sanctioned by the EU.
“The end of Assad’s dictatorship is a positive and long-awaited development. It also shows the weakness of Assad’s backers, Russia and Iran. Our priority is to ensure security in the region. I will work with all the constructive partners in Syria and the region,” Kallas posted on X yesterday.
She added that she is in close contact with Ministers from the region.
“The process of rebuilding Syria will be long and complicated, and all parties must be ready to engage constructively,” HR posted.
