Source: European Parliament
The evaluation of the impact of developments in the Middle East on the European, regional and global security is central to the work of the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Commission.
It is in the EU’s interest as well as the interest of the whole region and all Syrian citizens, that the transition in Syria be peaceful and inclusive.
In all contacts, the EU urges all stakeholders to engage in a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transitional process, guided by the respect for international law, human rights, fundamental freedoms, pluralism and tolerance among all components of society. External actors should also respect Syria’s unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Regarding the risks associated with terrorism, including Da’esh, the EU relies notably on the work of the EU Intelligence Analysis Centre and of the EEAS’ counterterrorism and security experts’ network deployed in EU delegations in the region.
The EU Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) is critical in supporting Member States by addressing threats arising from the situation in the Middle East through enhanced information sharing, operational coordination and targeted analytical efforts.
The EU also works jointly with its partners within the Global Coalition against Da’esh[1] to share information, assess and address the threat posed by Da’esh and its affiliates.
The EU is addressing the identified risks through counterterrorism cooperation with regional partners; through its multilateral engagement with the United Nations and as co-chair of the Global Counterterrorism Forum[2]; through security measures; support for repatriation, rehabilitation and reintegration; as well as through funding programmes to prevent and counter violent extremism, radicalisation and propaganda.
The EU is a major provider of humanitarian aid inside Syria, which is based on needs and vulnerability only.