High Representative Kaja Kallas, in a written answer on 15 June 2026, reaffirmed the EU's commitment to protecting religious and ethnic minorities in Syria, including Orthodox Christians, and left the door open to further sanctions if the interim government fails to curb attacks. The response, addressed to S&D MEP Yannis Maniatis, signals that the EU is closely monitoring the situation and conditioning its support on tangible progress toward inclusivity and accountability.
The answer comes amid reports of continued attacks on the predominantly Orthodox city of Suqaylabiyah, which Maniatis highlighted in his 7 April 2026 question. Kallas noted that the EU has already imposed sanctions on human rights violators in May and June 2025, and that further listings remain possible. She stressed that the EU's strategy, built around an inclusive transition, was reinforced by the EU-Syria Political Partnership unveiled during a visit by the Presidents of the European Council and the Commission, and by the first High-Level Political Dialogue with Syria held in Brussels on 11 May 2026. The EU has also called for thorough investigations into violence and for perpetrators to be held accountable, regardless of affiliation.
While the answer contains no new numerical targets or concrete deadlines, it reiterates the EU's conditional approach: financial and political support for Syria's transitional authorities depends on the protection of all minorities and the preservation of the country's multicultural character. Kallas's tone is firm but diplomatic, emphasising that the EU remains vigilant and will continue to press for accountability through existing sanctions tools and political dialogue. The response suggests that the EU is unlikely to impose sweeping new sanctions imminently, but will escalate targeted measures if the situation deteriorates further. Institutional follow-up is expected through regular monitoring and the next round of EU-Syria political consultations, likely later in 2026.
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