Ahead of the Conference on “Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region” to be held on 4-5 April 2017 in Brussels, EU foreign affairs ministers, meeting today in Luxembourg, have endorsed the EU strategy for Syria, based on the joint communication proposed by the EU High Representative Federica Mogherini and the European Commission.   

The EU’s strategic objectives in Syria focus on six key areas:

• An end to the war through a genuine political transition, in line with UNSCR 2254, negotiated by the parties to the conflict under the auspices of the UN Special Envoy for Syria and with the support of key international and regional actors
• Promoting a meaningful and inclusive transition in Syria, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and the Geneva Communiqué, through support for the strengthening of the political opposition
• Saving lives by addressing the humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable Syrians across the country in a timely, effective, efficient and principled manner
• Promoting democracy, human rights and freedom of speech by strengthening Syrian civil society organisations
• Promoting accountability for war crimes with a view to facilitating a national reconciliation process and transitional justice
• Supporting the resilience of the Syrian population and Syrian society.

The Council reiterated that the EU will be ready to assist in the reconstruction of Syria only when a comprehensive, genuine and inclusive political transition, negotiated by the Syrian parties in the conflict on the basis of UN Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015) and the 2012 Geneva Communiqué, is firmly under way.  It also confirmed its commitment to providing support to Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, as well as Iraq and Egypt, who have demonstrated their commitment and resilience in hosting millions of Syrian refugees over the past few years.

Read more

Council conclusions on Syria (03/04/2017)

Joint Communication to the European Parliament and the Council: Elements for an EU Strategy for Syria

“Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region” Conference webpage

EEAS webpage on EU actions related to the Syria crisis.

Factsheet: The EU and the crisis in Syria