The European Union has called for a comprehensive and inclusive transitional justice process in Syria, stressing that it is a prerequisite for national reconciliation and sustainable peace. In a statement delivered on 21 July 2026 at a UN Security Council Arria-formula meeting, EU Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis welcomed the establishment of two Syrian National Commissions on Transitional Justice and on Missing Persons, and confirmed that the EU is providing support to both bodies. The statement also urged the Syrian transitional government to expedite work on a draft transitional justice law, ensure meaningful participation of survivors, women, and civil society, and deepen cooperation with UN mechanisms such as the Independent Institution on Missing Persons and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism.
The EU expressed appreciation for the Syrian transitional government's efforts and noted that the first trials are already being held in Syria, calling for all perpetrators to be held accountable. The statement highlighted the importance of gender-responsive and victim-centred measures, guarantees on non-recurrence of violations, and transparent communication with the public. It also voiced concern over reports of intercommunal violence and human rights violations in several governorates during the transitional period, urging accountability mechanisms to address them. The EU commended the formation of the Syrian People's Assembly and expressed hope it would play a role in advancing transitional justice.
Ambassador Lambrinidis recalled that in November 2025, the EU, together with Syrian civil society and transitional authorities, organised the first Day of Dialogue in Syria, bringing together over 300 representatives. The EU intends to convene a second Day of Dialogue later in 2026. The statement also encouraged other UN member states to contribute to humanitarian and early-recovery funding, warning that such funding must not lag behind political commitments. The EU reiterated that victims' rights, agency, needs, wellbeing, safety, security, and dignity are key to a credible and sustainable transitional justice effort, through a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned process supported by the international community.