What changed

Follow up to the European Parliament non-legislative resolution of 12 March 2025 on the need for EU support towards a just transition and reconstruction in Syria

Resolution tabled pursuant to Rule 136 (2) and (4) of the European Parliament's Rules of procedure.

(2025/2569(RSP))

References: 2025/2569(RSP) / B10-0157/2025 / P10_TA(2025)0035

The European Parliament,

Date of adoption of the resolution: 12 March 2025

– having regard to UN Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015) of 18 December 2015,

Competent Parliamentary Committee: The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR, Renew and Greens/EFA groups.

– having regard to the establishment of the UN Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic, under UN General Assembly Resolution 77/301 of 29 June 2023,

Brief analysis/ assessment of the resolution and requests made in it:

– having regard to its recommendation of 28 February 2024 to the Council, the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the situation in Syria,

The European Parliament’s resolution emphasises the urgent need for the European Union (EU) to support a Syrian-led, just and inclusive political transition to unite and rebuild the country and to assist Syria in its reconstruction efforts following the fall of the Assad's regime – a position fully shared by the European Commission (the Commission). The resolution underscores the fresh start in the EU-Syria relations, encouraging the EU to cooperate with Syria’s transitional government in a transparent manner, being ready to provide state-building assistance where needed. The European Parliament expresses deep concern about the fragile security situation across Syria, particularly the coastal area, and emphasizes that all EU diplomatic channels need to be used to advocate for the stabilisation of the country. The resolution also calls on neighbouring countries to respect Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and to immediately cease all attacks and incursions on and occupation of Syrian territory in full compliance with international law. To allow for the rebuilding and reconstruction of the country, the resolution invites the EU to urgently support demining efforts. Recognizing the invaluable contribution of civil society reflecting the aspirations of the Syrian people, the resolution calls for the EU to increase its support to Syrian civil society organisations. In the context of a rise of disinformation within Syria and abroad, the resolution suggests that the EU should provide funding and capacity building to support a pluralistic media landscape. Transitional justice and accountability are portrayed as key elements to ensure a successful political transition. In this regard, the resolution calls on the EU to provide relevant support and funding.

– having regard to the statement by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 9 December 2024,

The text underscores the centrality of the need to focus on the Syrian economy, including sanctions, with a view to facilitating reconstruction efforts. The resolution calls specifically on the Commission to reach out to other countries imposing sanctions on Syria and to provide European businesses and banks with assurances to address the risk of over-compliance. The resolution requests comprehensive and sustained EU humanitarian and development aid including by maintaining support to neighbouring countries. A shift in aid towards more economic recovery and reconstruction is sought with adequate due diligence and independent monitoring processes in place. Increase of overall EU support is requested also in light of the US disinvestment and decrease in global aid budgets (UK, several EU Member States). On refugee returns, the Commission is called upon to provide EU Member States with guidance on ‘go-and- see’ visits; the role of the Syrian diaspora in the transition process is emphasized.

– having regard to the Council conclusions of 19 December 2024,

6. Response to the requests in the resolution and overview of the action taken, or intended to be taken, by the Commission:

– having regard to the orders of the Paris Judicial Court of 14 November 2023 and 21 January 2025 issuing international arrest warrants for Bashar al-Assad and members of his family, and to universal jurisdiction cases in European courts,

The Commission acknowledges the recent European Parliament resolution on the need for EU support towards a just transition and reconstruction in Syria. The Commission remains committed to continue supporting Syria in this new historic chapter. All Syrians, in the country and the diaspora, should have an opportunity to reunify, stabilise and rebuild their country, in line with the core principles of UN Security Council Resolution 2254. The Commission underlines the importance of a peaceful and inclusive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition, free from harmful foreign interference, which ensures the protection of the rights of Syrians from all backgrounds without discrimination. Syria’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within secure borders should be fully respected, in accordance with international law, in particular with international humanitarian law and human rights law. The EU condemns any unilateral foreign military actions as well as attempts to undermine Syria’s stability and prospects for a peaceful transition. Human rights and fundamental freedoms should be respected, protected and fulfilled for everyone in Syria, without discrimination of any kind. Ensuring accountability and comprehensive transitional justice are fundamental elements to lasting peace. The Commission will continue to address humanitarian needs across all of Syria. The Commission is committed to play a proactive role in the stabilisation, socio-economic recovery and future reconstruction of Syria, provided that an inclusive political transition continues. The Commission approach will be gradual and proportionate to the steps taken by the new transitional government.

– having regard to the joint statement by the Governments of France, Syria, Bahrain, Canada, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, the Secretary General of the League of Arab States and the Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf of 13 February 2025,

Security

– having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/406 of 24 February 2025 amending Decision 2013/255/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria,

The Commission underlines the need for state institutions to fulfil their responsibility in maintaining order and protecting the population throughout Syria and the importance to move towards the disarmament, demobilisation, and integration of all armed groups into national security forces as part of a wider and robust effort of security sector reform, and as a prerequisite for internal security and political stability under the rule of law. The Commission underscores the importance of the security and stability of Northeast Syria, including the prevention of resurgence of terrorism, and the need for continued and secured operation of the camps and detention facilities in Northeast Syria. A coordinated and Team Europe approach is needed in this regard.

– having regard to the statement issued following Syria’s National Dialogue Conference, held in Damascus on 25 February 2025,

Sanctions

– having regard to the statement of 8 March 2025 by the Spokesperson of the European External Action Service on the latest developments in Syria,

The Commission welcomed the adoption by the Council of legal acts on 27 May 2025 lifting economic sanctions on Syria, while maintaining listings of individuals and entities linked to the Assad regime and sanctions based on security grounds. The adoption formalises the political decision announced on 20 May 2025, and aims at supporting the Syrian people in reuniting and rebuilding a new, inclusive, pluralistic and peaceful Syria. In addition, the Commission welcomed the Council’s decision to remove twenty four entities from the EU list of those subject to the freezing of funds and economic resources, including the Central Bank of Syria and to introduce new restrictive measures under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, in relation to the wave of violence in Syria’s coastal region in March 2025. Continuous monitoring of developments on the ground is a priority.

– having regard to Rules 136(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

EU assistance

A. whereas in December 2024 Syria witnessed momentous change, as a rebel coalition spearheaded by the armed group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Syrian National Army (SNA), the Southern Operations Room (formerly Southern Front) and several other opposition forces toppled Bashar al-Assad’s murderous regime; whereas the historic collapse of the Assad dynasty marked the end of half of a century of suffering for the Syrian people, with unprecedented tyranny and chaos unfolding after Bashar al-Assad brutally repressed the 2011 uprising and led the country into civil war, as well as the beginning of a new chapter for the Syrian people and the broader Middle East;

The Commission takes note of the European Parliament’s call on the EU to increase its financial support to Syria and its people and to ensure sustainability of its funding. The EU and its Member States have been the largest donor, having mobilised more than EUR 37 billion since 2011 in humanitarian, resilience and stabilisation assistance, supporting Syrians both inside the country and in the region. Out of this amount, the EU-mobilised assistance since 2011 amounts to EUR 15.61 billion including humanitarian and non-humanitarian funding.

B. whereas the fallen Assad regime engaged in systematic repression, mass arrests, torture, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial executions and other grave human rights violations, and is responsible for documented war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the deliberate targeting of civilians, siege warfare leading to mass starvation, the use of barrel bombs and the deployment of chemical weapons, in violation of international law; whereas since 2011, at least half a million Syrians have died and 14 million have been forced to flee their homes, of which roughly 7 million have been internally displaced, as a result of the fierce repression and demographic engineering by the Assad regime and his allies, as well as at the hands of terrorist groups; whereas the fates and whereabouts of tens of thousands of people remain unknown;

Inside Syria, since 2011, the EU has been funding early recovery projects for a total of EUR 500 million under the NDICI/ENI instruments. Through this funding the EU has been supporting local initiatives with the aim to build resilience, address longer term needs and prepare the ground for a better future for all Syrians. The EU has been supporting and empowering Syrians across the country, working on education and vocational training, health, livelihoods, agriculture, fight against impunity and social cohesion. Under the Assad regime, this assistance has been implemented under strict red lines (no reconstruction, no lifting of sanctions and no normalisation with the regime) and operational parameters.

C. whereas Russia and Iran, under the guise of strategic alliances, were both enablers and active players in the war waged by the bloody Assad regime against its own people and used Syria as a geopolitical battleground for destabilising the region, as a hub for arms and drug trafficking, as well as a testing ground for military capabilities and tactics, systematically targeting civilian infrastructure and humanitarian aid convoys in clear violation of international law; whereas Assad’s power relied on Russia and Iran’s continued support and their supply of manpower and weapons, as well as that of their proxies, including the Wagner Group, the Lebanese Hezbollah, Iraqi militias and Afghan mercenaries; whereas his sudden fall is a clear geostrategic defeat for both countries;

The EU has also supported the main host countries in the region with both humanitarian and non-humanitarian assistance, addressing the needs of both refugees from Syria and host communities’ alike, and ensuring access and delivery of basic services. Humanitarian aid has focused on addressing critical lifesaving and protection needs of the population and supported humanitarian early recovery by improving access to basic services for an increasingly deprived population in Syria and across the region. Since the beginning of the crisis in 2011, the EU’s humanitarian assistance inside Syria amounts to over EUR 1.9 billion in total.

D. whereas after assuming a leading role in overthrowing the regime, former HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa was designated caretaker President and launched a political transition process, entailing plans for a new constitution and the holding of elections in four to five years from now; whereas the caretaker president was tasked with forming a temporary legislative council, appointed a caretaker government and pledged to establish, by early March 2025, a new non-sectarian, comprehensive, credible and inclusive government reflecting Syria’s ethnic and religious diversity; whereas on 24 and 25 February 2025, the Syrian interim government held the announced National Dialogue Conference; whereas the Syrian constitution of 2012 was nullified and the People’s Assembly and the Baath Party dissolved; whereas many armed groups also formally agreed to dissolve and be integrated into the Syrian army;

In parallel to humanitarian and non-humanitarian efforts, the EU has consistently monitored the volatile security situation in Syria and its implications for the EU internal security, particularly the terrorist threat emanating from the region. It has supported targeted projects to counter terrorism and prevent radicalisation, including in the camps in Northeast Syria, where many allegedly Daesh-affiliated family members are being held.

E. whereas the EU rightly refused to normalise its ties with the Assad regime right through to its demise and played a significant role as a major humanitarian donor to Syrian civilians and as host to 1.3 million refugees fleeing the conflicts; whereas since 2011, the EU and its Member States have mobilised more than EUR 33.3 billion in humanitarian, development, economic and stabilisation assistance focusing on life-saving aid, resilience programmes and the political implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015); whereas in December 2024 the EU launched a humanitarian air bridge to deliver emergency healthcare and other essential supplies; whereas in the aftermath of the fall of the Assad regime, some Member States announced a suspension of pending asylum applications by Syrians; whereas the EU has suspended sanctions on key economic sectors to facilitate engagement with Syria and its reconstruction;

Brussels Conferences

F. whereas the caretaker government authorities control most but not all of Syrian territory, with the overall security situation in Syria remaining fragmented and volatile; whereas violent events, including revenge killings, sectarian violence and criminal activities, are seen to be increasing, particularly in the coastal and rural areas; whereas pro-Assad armed groups and, allegedly, others have conducted coordinated attacks starting on 6 March 2025 in the Latakia, Tartus and Homs governorates, leading to deadly clashes with Syrian security forces; whereas in return, members of the Syrian security forces and the SNA, foreign fighters and jihadists reportedly participated in unjustifiable retaliations and executions targeting Alawite civilians on the basis of their ethno-religious affiliation; whereas, despite the statement delivered by de facto President al-Sharaa, the fighting lasted several days and has so far caused over 1 000 casualties; whereas de-facto President al-Shaara has announced the creation of a ‘fact-finding committee’ and of a ‘higher committee’;

Since 2017, the EU has been leading on international efforts to keep Syria high on the political agenda, to mobilise international funding in response to the Syrian crisis and to support Syrian civil society through the organisation of the Brussels Conferences. This year, building on the Ministerial meetings in Aqaba, Riyadh and Paris, the EU hosted a Ministerial segment of the Ninth Brussels Conference on 17 March 2025 on “Standing with Syria: meeting the needs for a successful transition.” For the first time, Syria’s new interim authorities participated.

G. whereas north-eastern Syria is still currently administered by the self-proclaimed Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria and controlled militarily by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF); whereas on 10 March 2025 an agreement towards their integration within all institutions of the Syrian state was jointly signed by de facto President al-Sharaa and Commander in Chief of the SDF Mazloum Abdi; whereas since December 2024, the Turkish-backed SNA militias, some of which have not been included in the transitional government, and Türkiye itself, have intensified attacks and incursions within northern Syrian territory, including attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in the Manbij and Kobani areas, which may amount to war crimes;

This ninth Brussels Conference underscored the strong political will of the international community to support Syria during this historic time, mobilising EUR 5.8 billion, in both grants and loans, to support Syria's transition process and socio-economic recovery, while also addressing urgent humanitarian needs, both within Syria and in host communities across the region. In clear demonstration of continued and strengthened support, the EU committed nearly EUR 2.5 billion for 2025 and 2026, increasing the pledge from last year by EUR 349 million.

H. whereas Israel has occupied a part of the Syrian territory in the Golan Heights since 1967; whereas following the overthrow of the Assad regime, Israel has further seized the UN-patrolled demilitarised zone beyond the Golan Heights and repeatedly carried out strikes on military targets in Syria; whereas the Israeli Minister of Defence has declared that ‘the IDF will remain at the summit of Mount Hermon and the security zone indefinitely’;

EU assistance for 2025 and beyond

I. whereas Russia seeks to retain its military bases in Syria, particularly the Tartus naval base and the Hmeimim military airfield; whereas Bashar al-Assad and his family fled the country and have been granted political asylum in Russia; whereas diplomatic contact has been made between Russia and the new Syrian authorities;

Supporting Syria on its path from humanitarian assistance to a more long-term recovery and reconstruction, also reflecting European Parliament’s call for this extended focus, the Commission will make available an enhanced socio-economic recovery package for Syria of EUR 139 million for 2025. It will cover three key areas: 1) institutional capacity building - through mobilisation of expertise from inside and outside of Syria, including through the Syrian diaspora; 2) socio-economic recovery and 3) transitional justice, accountability and human rights. This package will be implemented using solid operational parameters.

J. whereas the Assad regime supported Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and recognised the occupied Luhansk and Donetsk regions in Ukraine, as well as the Abkhazia region in Georgia; whereas Ukraine’s military intelligence service systematically reported that Russia was training mercenaries recruited in Syria to support Russia’s war against Ukraine; whereas the ‘Grain from Ukraine’ initiative was deployed in Syria after the suspension of Russian food exports;

The Commission emphasises the essential role civil society and freedom of association play in ensuring a peaceful, democratic, just, inclusive and pluralist society. The EU has been a longstanding supporter of Syrian civil society. It has a huge role to play – including on governance, transitional justice and inclusion – in building the new Syria. To that end, the EU will continue strongly supporting the civil society to fully participate in the future of the country. The EU plans to support a dialogue with civil society later this year in Syria.

K. whereas Daesh has caused tremendous suffering in Syria, triggered numerous terrorist attacks worldwide and continues to operate within and from Syria, relying on its centre for external operational planning in the Badia region; whereas approximately 10 000 Daesh fighters and 40 000 Daesh family members are currently being detained in the Al-Hol and Roj detention facilities, primarily guarded by the Kurdish-led SDF; whereas Syrian security forces may reportedly take over the management of the detention facilities following the agreement of 10 March 2025 made between de facto President al-Sharaa and SDF Commander in Chief Mazloum Abdi;

The Commission will also be stepping up humanitarian engagement in response to the Syrian crisis through a humanitarian assistance package of EUR 333 million in 2025. This includes EUR 202.5 million for Syria, EUR 93 million for Lebanon, EUR 12.5 million for Jordan, EUR 20 million for Iraq and EUR 5 million for Egypt.

L. whereas Syria’s Christian population has steeply declined since 2011 due to its targeting by both the Assad regime, as well as by Daesh and other terrorist groups;

In the area of crisis response measures, the EU (FPI) is also finalising a ‘Civilian resilience package’ for Syria of EUR 13.5 million, focused on mine action, protection of civilians and support to media. Where possible, accountability and transitional justice will be integrated into these actions. Transitional justice is central to Syria’s future stability and reconciliation.

M. whereas the situation in Syria remains one of the world’s most acute humanitarian crises, with nine out of ten Syrians below the poverty line and almost 17 million people – 70 % of the population – requiring humanitarian assistance because of widespread food insecurity and a lack of basic infrastructure and public services;

The EU is also committed to continue supporting the main host countries in the region, Türkiye, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and Iraq, to address the humanitarian and non-humanitarian needs of both refugees from Syria and vulnerable host communities. In addition to life-saving humanitarian assistance to vulnerable refugees and host communities, the EU pledged EUR 1.044 billion for Türkiye, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq in 2025, focused on system strengthening the social sectors and supporting durable solutions for Syrian refugees, such as socio-economic inclusion, resettlement and complementary pathways, or supporting the conditions for safe, dignified, voluntary and sustainable refugee returns.

N. whereas, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the humanitarian response for Syria is significantly underfunded, having secured less than 10 % of the USD 1.2 billion needed until March 2025; whereas the executive order issued by US President Donald Trump’s administration, enacting a 90-day suspension of all foreign assistance programmes, including those administered by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has and will have an impact on the humanitarian programmes and non-governmental organisations that operate on the ground in Syria; whereas the UK and several EU Member States have also announced significant decreases in their global aid budgets;

Refugee returns

O. whereas Syria finds itself in a tremendously dire economic situation, with soaring inflation in the country reaching a record high level of 40.2 % in 2024, electricity shortages and rising commodity prices; whereas the collapse of the Syrian economy was exacerbated by regime corruption, predatory economic policies and reliance on illicit activities, including the production and trafficking of Captagon; whereas a colossal reconstruction effort must be undertaken while navigating the shift to an open market economy, with exports having dramatically decreased compared to pre-war levels;

On refugee returns, the Commission stresses that genuine obstacles remain keeping many refugees from returning at this stage, including security concerns, economic hardship, property issues, availability and access to basic services, and unexploded ordnance. The conditions for voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable returns are not yet in place, also according to UNHCR. In this context, it is key to ensure that the asylum space is maintained, the principle of non-refoulement is respected, access to services continued and the resilience of refugees and host communities continues to be strengthened in hosting countries.

P. whereas 5.5 million Syrian refugees live in the five countries neighbouring Syria, namely Türkiye, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt, with the EU providing financial assistance to help shoulder the associated costs; whereas approximately 500 000 internally displaced persons and 300 000 external refugees have returned to their areas of origin since the collapse of the Assad regime, with inadequate services, limited livelihoods and damaged infrastructure hindering their sustainable reintegration;

The Commission fully acknowledges the right to return of refugees and internally displaced persons and has in this regard been working with UNHCR and IOM to support those Syrians who decide voluntarily to return to their country. The Commission also encourages Member States to facilitate “go-and-see visits” as an avenue for Syrian beneficiaries of international protection to assess the viability of a permanent return, whilst ensuring that international protection is not withdrawn. The Commission is committed to help creating the conditions for safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable returns of refugees and stepping up its support for Syria’s socio-economic recovery. At the same time, the EU recognises the potentially destabilising effect that large-scale returns could have on the country at this time.

1. Praises the bravery, dignity and resilience of the Syrian people, who finally succeeded in overthrowing the cruel Assad dictatorship; pays tribute to the countless victims of the regime; calls for the EU to seize this historic opportunity to support a Syrian-led political transition in order to unite and rebuild the country, and to assist Syria in implementing its reconstruction and achieving a just and inclusive political transition; remains concerned, however, by the high degree of instability, both in Syria and in the region; underlines that a stable and peaceful Syria is in the interests of the Middle East, the EU’s southern neighbourhood and the EU itself;

Coordination

2. Welcomes the fresh start in EU-Syria relations, manifested by the appointment of an EU Chargé d’affaires in Damascus, diplomatic engagement and high-level meetings undertaken by Member States and EU leaders, as well as the anticipated organisation of the Ninth Brussels Conference set to take place on 17 March 2025; encourages the EU and all its Member States to cooperate with Syria’s interim authorities in a transparent, coordinated and responsible manner, and to convey readiness to provide state-building assistance if and as needed; welcomes dialogue held alongside regional partners in the so-called ‘Aqaba’ format;

The new reality in Syria demands collective engagement and a swift and coordinated response from the international community. The Commission stands ready to cooperate with Member States, key partners, including international financial institutions, and regional actors. Developing an enhanced coordination framework among international and multilateral donors, also in good coordination with the transitional authorities, is essential. Building on the Ministerial discussions of the Ninth Brussels Conference on Syria, the Commission organised on 18 March 2025 a senior-level workshop on Syria’s socio-economic recovery, with participation of the Syrian interim authorities. The workshop underlined the importance of ensuring better and effective coordination of international support to Syria and suggested ways forward in terms of regular donors’ coordination meetings. To this end, the Commission is now in the process of launching a dedicated donors’ coordination platform which will support a Syrian-led process to align donors’ community’s assistance with the government’s priorities. Seven thematic subgroups will be formed around key sectors of engagement - institution building, energy, health, education, livelihoods and job creation, banking and finance as well as transitional justice.

3. Strongly believes that stability in Syria will come from a pluralistic political transition that includes credible representatives of all components of Syrian society and of all geographical areas, that is to say all religious and ethnic communities, women, civil society and peaceful opposition forces; welcomes the caretaker president’s acknowledgement of Syria’s diversity while taking note that the composition of the current interim government is lacking in this regard; underlines the importance of the future government reflecting this plurality and for a future constitutional framework guaranteeing equal rights and access to opportunities for all Syrians, in line with democratic principles, the rule of law, fundamental rights and freedoms, including religious freedom, as upheld by international law, as well as clear and concrete evidence that these rights are respected in national and local decisions;

The Commission remains committed to cooperating with the European Parliament, Member States, and relevant stakeholders to ensure a coherent, coordinated, and strategic response to Syria's evolving situation.

4. Acknowledges in this regard, the National Dialogue Conference that took place on 25 February 2025 as a starting point for establishing a culture of dialogue for all Syrians; expresses its concern about the exclusion of Kurdish political representatives, as well as the failure to ensure the participation of all segments of Syrian civil society, particularly women; recalls, further, that this dialogue ought to be upheld in order to prevent deepening societal divisions and discord within key segments of Syrian society and further destabilising an already fragile security situation; calls on the interim government to craft a roadmap setting out its plan for carrying out the political transition process and improve transparency in respect of Syrian citizens;

5. Notes with concern the violent past of factions that toppled the Assad regime and are now participating in government; takes good note of the caretaker President’s declarations of intent, while pledging to monitor the actions of national and local authorities when evaluating further engagement; expresses cautious optimism regarding the behaviour of the caretaker authorities regarding freedom of religion and encourages them to implement further confidence-building measures; calls on the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Member States to consistently speak out against any possible violation of fundamental freedoms and human rights in Syria by the interim government or other groups;

6. Is deeply worried by the fragile security situation across Syria, particularly the coastal area, and firmly condemns the retaliatory targeting of the Alawite community based on its perceived association with the Assad regime; calls on the caretaker authorities to rein in all violent factions, including those set to be incorporated within the Syrian army and security forces, protect all civilian citizens from violence and ensure their right to live in safety; calls for prompt, transparent and impartial investigations into all killings and other violations and for those responsible to be held to account, in line with international legal norms and standards; urges the caretaker government to ensure that all military and security appointments are based strictly on professional qualifications, respect for international human rights and humanitarian law, and a commitment to combating terrorism; expresses concern regarding the presence of foreign extremist fighters, including European citizens, among the forces that overthrew the Assad regime, and cautions against integrating them permanently into the Syrian security apparatus; recognises the challenge for orderly state-building linked to the risk of insurgency by armed groups loyal to the former regime; encourages caretaker authorities to organise paramilitary and civilian disarmament;

7. Praises the invaluable contribution of civil society, in Syria and abroad, as the legitimate repository and defender of the aspirations of the Syrian people during years of brutal oppression; pays particular tribute to the White Helmets, target of a regime-orchestrated and Russia-backed smear campaign; calls for the EU to increase financial support, especially for Syrian civil society organisations as they adapt to shifting operating conditions, with a focus on promoting civic dialogue, notably between ethnic, cultural and religious communities, to foster pluralism, peaceful coexistence and trust within Syrian society;

8. Stresses the importance of recognising the role of sexualised and gender-based violence in justice and accountability processes, as well as of policies to ensure women’s full participation and representation in political life, as well as their economic empowerment; calls, further, to address specifically the suffering inflicted on children;

9. Is concerned by the exponential rise of disinformation originating both within Syria and from abroad; warns of the risk of instrumentalisation of communities also by foreign actors; stresses the need for a pluralistic media landscape to flourish and operate free of censorship and under a legally protected freedom of the press; calls for the EU and its Member States to provide funding and capacity-building in this regard;

10. Strongly believes that the success of the Syrian political transition, notably the safeguarding of civil peace and the building of trust in state institutions, hinges on transitional justice and reconciliation as a path to fighting the impunity of all parties responsible for violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses; calls for judicial reform to be made an urgent political priority; encourages the Syrian Government to establish an independent transitional justice committee to ensure accountability for past human rights violations committed by all factions, emphasising that military unification cannot be achieved without a credible justice mechanism to build trust among armed groups, including representatives from the southern factions, the SDF and former regime officers;

11. Calls on caretaker authorities to fully cooperate with competent international instances, including UN mechanisms established specifically for investigating serious crimes in Syria, such as the UN International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism, the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria, the UN Independent Institution on Missing Persons, and the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and facilitate their on-site operations; encourages Syria to ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and align national legislation accordingly, as well as give the ICC retroactive jurisdiction through a declaration; recognises the irreplaceable contribution of Fareed al-Madhhan (‘Caesar’) to documenting regime crimes, as well as the Syrian Network of Human Rights’ work in tracking disappearances; stresses the importance of these processes now being completed; calls for the EU to support the renewal of the mandate of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria and increase funding for all relevant mechanisms notably in light of US disinvestment;

12. Commends the steps taken to fight impunity through universal jurisdiction cases in Germany, France and other Member States, of individuals linked to the Assad regime and Daesh; encourages courts to continue such prosecutions and expects newfound evidence and fruitful cooperation with Syrian authorities to lead to leaps in investigations and convictions;

13. Stresses the need for Syria’s transitional authorities to urgently take all steps to secure and preserve physical evidence of serious international crimes across the country, including through cooperation and engagement with international experts and current international mechanisms, and to grant all competent organisations access to archival documents; encourages the EU to provide support for timely evidence collection on the ground, including forensic equipment and expertise to identify and analyse mass graves, as well as the collection of survivors’ testimonies;

14. Highlights that Syria is among the most heavily mine-contaminated countries; is alarmed by the rising number of victims, including children, who have been killed or injured by mines and other explosives, a problem that is further increasing as people start to return; commends efforts by international and local organisations in identifying, marking and clearing explosive ordnance and calls for the EU to urgently support demining efforts jointly with specialised actors and Syrian authorities;

15. Reiterates its strongest condemnation of the appalling use of chemical weapons against Syrian civilians by the Assad regime; welcomes the announcement by Syria’s interim government to destroy any remaining stockpiles of chemical weapons in Syria and its openness to cooperate with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons;

16. Appreciates the determination demonstrated by caretaker authorities in discontinuing the production and trafficking of drugs, in particular Captagon, which have negatively affected the whole region for years; encourages international cooperation against the trafficking of drugs, arms and human beings;

17. Highlights the importance of protecting Syria’s cultural heritage and calls for international collaboration to restore historical sites and religious landmarks and to prevent the illicit trade in looted artefacts; urges the EU to support Syria in efforts to restore areas and places of cultural significance to the Syrian public and the world, including the UNESCO site of Palmyra after its revolting partial destruction by Daesh in 2015;

18. Acknowledges that the Syrian economy is shattered, with considerable investment gaps towards achieving price stability and sustained job creation; calls for all necessary steps to be taken in order to incentivise and facilitate foreign direct investment in accordance with international standards, as well as for reforms addressing housing, land and property rights and policies balancing development across urban and rural areas to reduce regional disparities; encourages economic disentanglement from Russia and Iran after both countries have profited from Syria’s economic collapse to extract resources and control strategic industries;

19. Welcomes the gradual and conditional suspension of sanctions on a range of economic sectors and the indefinite extension of humanitarian exemptions; underlines that despite recent adjustments, the EU, US and UK sanctions policies towards Syria are an obstacle to reconstruction efforts; calls on the Commission and the Council to reach out to other countries imposing sanctions on Syria, notably the US and the UK; supports a full yet reversible lifting of all sectoral sanctions, with a focus on the financial sector, so as to provide the Syrian economy a much-needed lifeline, while closely monitoring the political transition process; expects over-compliance to remain an issue as long as extensive US and UK sanctions remain in place, notably due to the former’s extraterritorial dimension; calls on the Commission and the Member States to provide European businesses and banks with legal assurances to counteract over-compliance; calls, nevertheless, for individual sanctions against military personnel, officials, business entities and individuals associated with the Assad family to be maintained; expects the yearly update of the EU sanction regime ahead of its expiration on 1 June 2025 to adequately assess the relevance of all renewed sanctions, allowing for much-needed clarity, and asks the European Council to define and clearly communicate clear steps that Syria’s authorities must carry out, to secure further sanctions easing or prevent the activation of a snapback;

20. Welcomes the announcement by the Commission to allocate EUR 235 million in new humanitarian support to Syrians and calls for the EU and its Member States to sustain humanitarian and development aid efforts and to maintain financial support for neighbouring countries hosting Syrian refugees; invites the EU to explore pathways to use frozen assets of the Assad regime for a trust fund for Syrian reconstruction, rehabilitation and compensation of victims; is extremely concerned by the suspension of all USAID funding related to Syria or Syrian refugees and by the foreseen non-participation of the US in the next Brussels conference;

21. Calls for the EU to strategically extend its focus from humanitarian aid to accelerated and early economic recovery and reconstruction in key sectors such as energy, water supply, healthcare and education, in order to reach tangible results while ensuring that programming is accompanied by due diligence and independent monitoring; urges the European Union and its Members States to agree on the joint provision of sustainable funding at the forthcoming Ninth Brussels Conference;

22. Welcomes the decision taken, for example, by France to allow refugees to return to Syria and participate in its reconstruction without jeopardising their status, including for ‘go-and-see’ visits to Syria; calls on the Member States and third countries to urgently replicate this initiative; calls on the Commission to encourage and provide the Member States with guidance and best practice on the implementation of EU law on this issue, including as regards the difference between ‘travel’ and ‘re-establishment’; insists that all asylum status claims and renewals must be assessed individually and thoroughly; stresses the importance of balanced participation in the political transition process of the Syrian diaspora as a key asset for the country’s transition and reconstruction; recognises the importance of remittances alongside official development assistance and urges the Member States to lift any restrictions placed on sending remittances to Syria; recalls, moreover, that according to the UN Refugee Convention, conditions for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees can only be met following fundamental and durable changes in Syria;

23. Recalls the presence of over 400 000 Palestinian refugees residing in Syria, some of them displaced multiple times, and the role of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in assisting its needs; remembers the siege of the Yarmouk camp by Assadist factions between 2013 and 2015;

24. Calls on Syria to break free from its notorious long-standing alliances with Tehran and Moscow, which have brought suffering to the Syrian people and destabilisation to the Middle East and beyond; calls, further, on Syrian authorities to bring the Russian military presence in Syria to an end; condemns Russia for hosting Bashar al-Assad and his family and shielding them from justice, after having obstructed justice by actively interfering in international investigations and vetoing UN Security Council resolutions aimed at addressing the regime’s war crimes and their own;

25. Calls on Türkiye and Israel to respect Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and to immediately cease all attacks and incursions on and occupation of Syrian territory in full compliance with international law;

26. Firmly believes that the unification of all segments of Syria, including the integration of all armed factions within a national army, require a Syrian-led political solution; calls for the EU and the Member States to use all diplomatic channels to advocate the stabilisation of Syria, which is in the interest of most countries in the region, and support discussions towards a peaceful and stable solution and ensure that the well-being and preservation of fundamental freedoms, economic, social and cultural rights, as well as the gender equality of all Syrians, notably those living in north-eastern Syria, remain at the centre of decisions; welcomes, in this regard, the agreement of 10 March 2025 between de facto President al-Sharaa and SDF Commander in Chief Mazloum Abdi and hopes for its smooth implementation; takes note of the positive result of recent negotiations between Kurdish armed groups in Türkiye and the Turkish Government towards disarmament;

27. Stresses the importance of the fight led by the international coalition against Daesh, with the invaluable support of Kurdish fighters, and calls for it to cooperate with the Syrian interim government to prevent Daesh and other jihadist groups from reorganising; expresses deep concerns as attacks led or supported by Türkiye in north-eastern Syria not only cause civilian casualties and increase the number of internally displaced persons, but also threaten the efficiency and continuity of the fight against Daesh; urges the caretaker authorities to demonstrate clear commitment to the fight against terrorism and to cooperate with international partners both to fight remaining active cells in Syria and to investigate past crimes, notably against the Yazidi community;

28. Urgently calls for a lasting solution to be found among all the parties concerned as these camps continue to be breeding grounds for radicalisation and constitute a dormant threat to both Syrian and European security; warns against the serious international security risk a sudden disengagement of the United States in the region would cause in this uncertain context; reiterates its call on the Member States to repatriate all their nationals, especially children, from Al-Hol and Roj and to bring adults to justice in fair trials;

29. Calls on the Islamic Republic of Iran to cease all activities aimed at torpedoing the Syrian caretaker government’s political and economic efforts and forcedly altering the status quo; commends the interim authorities for intercepting Iranian weapon shipments destined for Hezbollah in Lebanon and welcomes the complete collapse of Iran’s extensive infrastructure and networks in Syria;

30. Welcomes de-facto President al-Sharaa’s pledge to seek peaceful relations with all of Syria’s neighbours; calls on the caretaker Syrian authorities to ensure this commitment is turned into concrete action to prevent and refrain from taking any security-threatening measures against neighbouring countries and beyond;

31. Condemns those European politicians, including current and former MEPs, who have repeatedly spread pro-Assad narratives and actively engaged in whitewashing the bloody dictatorship; expresses deep concern regarding the recent invitation by Parliament’s Intergroup on Christians in the Middle East of organisations closely linked to EU-sanctioned Assadists;

32. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the relevant EU institutions, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the caretaker Syrian government, and to have it translated and published in Arabic.