Greek MEP Afroditi Latinopoulou (Patriots for Europe, PfE) has asked the European Commission what specific actions it intends to take to protect Christian communities in Syria following recent attacks on the Greek Orthodox population in Al-Suqaylabiyah. The written parliamentary question, submitted on 8 April 2026, highlights attacks on residents and religious sites as part of a broader trend of growing violence against religious minorities, raising concerns for the security and continuation of the Christian presence in the region.
first, what specific actions the Commission will take to protect Christian communities and safeguard religious freedom; second, whether it will raise the issue in diplomatic contacts with relevant actors with a view to possible sanctions; and third, how it explains the continued absence of a meaningful EU response to repeated attacks against Christians, and whether it intends to take specific deterrence measures without delay.
The question signals a policy orientation pushing for stronger EU engagement on religious minority protection in Syria, including potential sanctions and deterrence measures. The MEP's language—"continued absence of a meaningful EU response"—implicitly criticises the Commission's current approach as insufficient.
The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will indicate whether the EU plans to escalate diplomatic or punitive measures, or maintain its current stance, and will clarify the legal and political feasibility of the requested actions. The reply will be closely watched by human rights advocates and EU foreign policy observers.
← Atlas › News › Foreign affairs