Source: European Parliament
The fall of Assad’s criminal regime marks a historic moment for the Syrian people.
The High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) confirms the EU commitment to a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned peaceful and inclusive political transition, where all groups participate at the negotiating table.
The European Council conclusions of 19 December 2024[1] underlined ‘the need to ensure respect for human rights, including women’s rights, non-sectarian governance and the protection of members of religious and ethnic minorities, and to safeguard Syria’s cultural heritage’.
It called on ‘all parties to preserve national unity and ensure the protection of all civilians, the provision of public services as well as the creation of conditions for an inclusive and peaceful political transition’.
The EU stands ready to support the new phase in Syria in coordination with regional partners (Türkiye, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, others). The HR/VP expressed the EU’s position in international meetings, including in Aqaba[2], Riyadh as well as during her recent visit to Ankara.
Türkiye has a legitimate right and responsibility to fight against terrorism, ensuring that this is done in accordance with the rule of law, respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, in full respect of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of neighbouring states.
In October 2019, Member States committed to strong national positions regarding their arms export policy to Türkiye on the basis of the provisions of Common Position 2008/944/CFSP on arms export controls.
There is no arms embargo to Türkiye in place. This would require unanimity. The responsible Council Working Group remains seized on this important matter.