Kaja Kallas calls for unified action, citing ‘historic window of opportunity'
The EU's foreign policy chief on Tuesday reaffirmed the bloc's commitment to supporting Syria's recovery and political transition, hinting at possible adjustments to its sanctions regime while maintaining leverage over the process.
Speaking at a European Parliament plenary session on Syria, Kaja Kallas urged unified and decisive action to seize what she described as a “historic window of opportunity” for Syria's future.
“We have a key interest in the success of Syrian transition,” she stated. “We need to adopt our early recovery parameters to the new political reality with a view to eventual reconstruction, to start reflecting on a possible revision of our sanctions regime in order to support Syria's path to recovery while keeping our leverage.”
Kallas emphasized that the EU must act with both “early engagement and prudence” to bolster accountability and reconciliation efforts.
These steps, she noted, are essential to establishing the foundation for transitional justice and long-term stability in the region.
- Critical juncture for Syrian transition
The official highlighted the critical role of international cooperation in ensuring Syria's future is peaceful and inclusive.
“This future of peace, freedom, and dignity is closer than ever for all communities, for all people — men, women, and children,” she said, adding that while Syrians must lead the rebuilding process, the EU can play a significant role in helping to achieve their aspirations.
Plans are already in motion for the ninth process conference on Syria and the broader region, which Kallas suggested would reflect the shifting political landscape.
“I have instructed my services to start thinking about what the ninth process conference on the future of Syria and the region could look like, this time in a new Syria,” she said, inviting contributions from the European Parliament to shape the conference's agenda.
She also directed criticism at the ousted Bashar Assad regime, asserting that it has repeatedly demonstrated its inability to deliver peace or stability.
“There would never be a peaceful, united, and stable Syria, nor regional stability under his rule,” Kallas said, accusing Assad's allies, Russia and Iran, of using Syria to pursue destabilizing strategies.
The EU has enforced sanctions against the Assad regime since the early years of the Syrian conflict. However, Kallas' suggestion of a potential revision to these measures marks a strategic shift, as the bloc explores ways to support Syria's recovery while maintaining its influence.
“We Europeans need to act decisively and cohesively,” she said, underscoring the EU's potential to contribute meaningfully to the region's stability and reconstruction.
Assad, who ruled Syria with an iron fist for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia on Dec. 8 after anti-regime groups seized control of the capital Damascus. The takeover followed a swift offensive by HTS fighters, who captured key cities across the country in less than two weeks.
