In a written answer on 15 June 2026, High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas outlined the EU's diplomatic and financial strategy to protect religious minorities in Syria, including Christians, while rejecting calls for an immediate review of sanctions against the interim government. The response, to a question by MEPs Elena Kountoura and Konstantinos Arvanitis (The Left), reaffirms the EU's commitment to an inclusive transition and conditionality for aid, but offers no new concrete measures beyond existing frameworks.
The answer, dated 15 June 2026, responds to a parliamentary question submitted on 9 April 2026, which cited recent violence against Greek Orthodox Christians in Suqaylabiyah and attacks on churches. Kallas emphasised that the EU demands full investigations and accountability for reported incidents, and noted that during the first EU-Syria High-Level Political Dialogue on 11 May 2026 in Brussels, the need for an inclusive process was underscored. She also referenced the European Council conclusions of 18 December 2025, which called for a transition reflecting the aspirations of all Syrians without discrimination.
The High Representative confirmed that the EU has pledged EUR 620 million for 2026 and 2027 for humanitarian aid, early recovery, and bilateral support, with assistance channelled through pre-certified partners and subject to strict monitoring. On sanctions, Kallas did not propose a review of measures against the interim government, instead noting that in 2025 the EU introduced new listings for human rights violations in the post-Assad era. The answer signals that the EU's policy remains focused on political dialogue and conditional aid, rather than punitive escalation, balancing the need for engagement with accountability demands. This approach impacts Syrian civilians, who rely on EU humanitarian funding, and the transitional authorities, who face pressure to demonstrate progress on minority protection to maintain EU support. The EU's stance also affects member states advocating for tougher sanctions, as well as Christian and other minority communities seeking stronger protective measures.