Rojava on agenda of European Parliament

Leaders of the political groups in the European Parliament discussed developments in Rojava and Syria during a press conference held in Strasbourg, but without adopting concrete measures to support the region.

The statements focused on human rights and the rule of law, alongside criticism of the weakness of positions toward Syria’s Turkish-backed interim government, which has been launching attacks on Rojava since 6 January.

The President of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, Garcia Perez, stressed the need to protect universal values, but did not directly criticize the attacks or the planned financial support for the government of Ahmad al-Sharaa. Nicola Procaccini, co-chair of the European Conservatives and Reformists Party, described the fall of the Ba'ath regime as a positive development, expressing hope for a better new administration for Syria’s components.

Meanwhile, Valérie Hayer, President of the liberal Renew Europe group, voiced concerns about Syria’s transition process, leaving responsibility to national governments. Thierry Reintke, co-chair of the Greens/European Free Alliance, called for protecting the Kurdish people, applying diplomatic pressure, and allocating direct funding to Kurdish areas, without proposing a clear mechanism for implementation.

The Left Group (GUE/NGL) issued the strongest criticism. Its co-chair, Martin Schirdewan, condemned the interim government’s attacks on Rojava and Aleppo, describing the European support plan worth €620 million as “appalling.” He warned that the deployment of ISIS/Daesh mercenaries to fight the Kurds poses a serious threat to European security. The group also called for recognition of Kurdish autonomous administration, the establishment of direct diplomatic relations with Rojava, and the suspension of financial support to the interim government.

ANHA