Brussels – The European Union intends to organize a high-level event in the Syrian capital Damascus later this year, in coordination with Syrian civil society organizations, The Independent reported on Saturday, citing a European diplomatic source.
The source emphasized the “critical role” of Syrian civil society, independent media, and the diaspora in ensuring a peaceful, just, inclusive, and pluralistic society. He stressed that the Syrian transitional authorities must protect all citizens without discrimination, take steps to disarm and demobilize fighters, and restructure national security forces in line with international norms and standards.
The EU expressed readiness to support these efforts, reiterating its backing for a Syrian-led peaceful and inclusive transition. The source noted that for years, the EU has held “Dialogue Day” sessions during the Brussels Conference to gather diverse Syrian voices, and that the planned Damascus event represents an expansion of this approach inside Syria itself.
Brussels also called for a transparent, credible, and impartial investigation into last month’s events in the southern province of Suwayda, where rights groups have documented serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.
The EU urged that all perpetrators be brought to justice, the ceasefire be fully respected, and civilians and civilian infrastructure, including religious sites, be protected regardless of ethnic or religious background. It also called for urgent measures to prevent further sectarian incitement.
Read more: European MPs Call for International Investigation into Violations in Southern Syria
“The EU believes the time has come for dialogue and a genuine, peaceful, and inclusive transition in Syria that guarantees human rights and meets the aspirations of all Syrians,” the European source said.
He added that the EU and its member states have long supported Syrian civil society and worked with actors representing the country’s diverse communities and will continue to do so. The upcoming Damascus event, he said, will be a new platform to reinforce that approach.
On Friday, ten members of the European Parliament urged an international investigation into the Suwayda incidents, expressing deep concern over violence in southern Syria.
