A critical discussion on the future of Syria took place at the European Parliament on Wednesday 29 January, led by Nathalie Loiseau, the Permanent Rapporteur for Syria and member of the centrist Renew Europe group. The session, titled “Syria – What’s Next?”, brought together experts, activists, and political representatives to examine the ongoing crisis, including Turkey’s escalating military aggression in the region.
Among the key speakers were Firas Kontar, a Syrian lawyer and activist based in France, Wassim Nasr – Journalist (France 24) specializing in Syria, Mgr Pascal Goll – Director of L’Œuvre d’Orient, a humanitarian organisation supporting Christian communities in the Middle East, and Abdulkarim Omar – Representative of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) in Europe.
Speaking on behalf of the AANES, Abdulkarim Omar condemned Turkey’s recent drone attacks in North and East Syria, describing them as war crimes. He stated that these strikes deliberately target civilians and essential infrastructure.
“Turkey is carrying out systematic attacks on our people. These drone strikes are not just military operations; they are acts of war aimed at displacing communities and creating chaos. We have called on the United Nations to intervene and stop these violations of international law,” said Omar.
According to Omar, between 10 and 30 civilians, including children, have been killed in recent strikes, while the broader campaign threatens the stability of the region.
Omar also expressed deep concerns over the uncertainty surrounding Syria’s political and constitutional future, warning that the current trajectory could lead to further instability.
“It would be embarrassing and difficult if their ideological and field-specific ideas were transferred to the new Syrian state and its institutions, led by the army and the security services. Unfortunately, the new leaders do not have a clear vision of what the political, legal, and constitutional identity of Syria should be,” he said.
He stressed that the AANES remains committed to resisting oppression and continuing its governance model in North and East Syria, ensuring that democratic principles and ethnic co-existence remain protected.
Nathalie Loiseau, who chaired the meeting, reaffirmed the European Parliament’s continued support for Kurdish-led forces in combating radical Islamist groups, acknowledging the critical role they play in ensuring stability. She stressed that Syria is at a pivotal moment and that the EU is closely monitoring developments in the region.
“The EU recognises the sacrifices and contributions made by the Kurdish forces in the fight against terrorism. The situation in Syria remains fragile, and it is imperative that we advocate for a political resolution that respects all communities,” Loiseau stated.
With the crisis in Syria deepening, the meeting underscored the need for international diplomatic efforts to address both Turkish aggression and the uncertain direction of the Syrian state’s future.
