The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the EU strategy on Syria.
The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE and Greens/EFA groups.
Over 400 000 people have lost their lives since the beginning of the conflict in Syria in 2011 whereas over 13.5 million people are in urgent need of emergency assistance such as medical and food assistance, water and shelter.
Parliament condemned the atrocities and widespread violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed by all parties in the conflict, and in particular the forces of the Assad regime with the support of its allies Russia and Iran, as well as by non-state armed groups, in particular ISIS/Da’esh and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham. It called for the creation of a Syria war crimes tribunal.
While welcoming the EU Strategy for Syria, Members remained committed to the unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Syria and called for a strong ‘Whole of Syria’ approach and a democratic future for the Syrian people. According to them, a Syrian-led political process which will lead to free and fair elections, facilitated and monitored by the United Nations and held on the basis of a new constitution, is the only way to pacify the country.
The EU, as the main donator (more than EUR 9.4 billion since 2017) should engage more actively in order to play a significant role in the negotiating efforts under the existing UN-agreed framework, developing a distinctive policy that aims at bringing the parties closer together. The VP/HR is urged to start developing a concrete plan for EU involvement in the reconstruction of Syria.
Parliament welcomed that the early establishment of confidence-building measures (CBMs), including fully unhindered humanitarian access throughout Syria, the delivery of basic public services (electricity, water, health care), the end of all city sieges, and the release of prisoners and hostages, is of crucial importance. It also called on the EU to redouble their efforts aimed at building the capacities of the people and civil society of Syria with a view to supporting the resilience of the Syrian population.
Lastly, Members called on the EU Member States to show a stronger commitment to responsibility-sharing, allowing refugees fleeing the Syrian war zones to find protection beyond the immediate neighbouring region, including through resettlement and humanitarian admission schemes. They also called for additional efforts to reach the goal of getting all refugee children and vulnerable children in host communities into quality education.