European Parliament Demands Protection for Christian Minorities in Syria
Resolution follows deadly Damascus church attack, calls for justice, reforms, and continued counterterrorism efforts.
BRUSSELS — In response to the June 22 terrorist attack on the Church of Prophet Elijah in Damascus that killed 25 and injured dozens, the European Parliament has overwhelmingly passed a resolution calling for stronger protections for Christian minorities in Syria.
The resolution condemns violence against religious and ethnic communities and highlights the growing vulnerability of Syria’s Christians, whose cultural and religious heritage remains integral to the region. It raises alarm over the influence of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in transitional governance structures, warning of threats to religious freedom.
MEPs urged Syrian authorities to launch a transparent investigation into the church attack and broader religious violence, while reaffirming support for a political transition rooted in human rights. The resolution also calls for constitutional safeguards for minorities, transitional justice, and free and fair elections.
The Parliament encouraged the EU to establish a reconstruction fund for Syria – without lifting sanctions on violators of religious freedom – and to intensify efforts against Islamist terrorism. The resolution reflects a unified EU commitment to protecting minorities and fostering peace and accountability in post-war Syria.
Previously, UOJ reported that in the city of Safita (Syria), leaflets with explicit calls for violence were found on the doors of Christian churches, urging the killing of Christians, the enslavement of women, and the looting of believers’ homes.
