The European Christian Political Party (ECPP) fully supports the resolution adopted on Thursday by the European Parliament, calling for the protection of religious minorities in Syria. The resolution, tabled by MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen and others, follows the horrific bombing of a Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus on June 22nd. Members of the European Parliament voted en masse in favour, with support from most of the political groups, an encouraging sign that European lawmakers stand for the Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB).
The Resolution
The resolution addresses the deteriorating situation for religious minorities in Syria, with specific concern for Christian communities. It strongly condemns the June 22 terror attack on the Mar Elias Church in Damascus and urges the Syrian transitional authorities to ensure protection of worship sites and prosecute those responsible. The resolution draws particular attention to the vulnerability of Christians and other minority groups amid ongoing sectarian violence and calls for independent investigations and strengthened accountability.
Furthermore, the Parliament ties EU support for Syria’s reconstruction, including the conditional lifting of sanctions, to clear progress on human rights, transitional justice, and inclusive governance. It also recommends establishing a Syria Reconstruction Fund and maintaining or expanding sanctions on those violating religious freedom. The resolution reinforces the EU’s call to combat Islamist terrorism, protect civilians, and uphold religious freedom and territorial integrity in Syria.
Read the entire text of the resolution [HERE].
MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECPP/SGP) was heavily involved in placing the resolution on the agenda, working alongside MEPs from other political groups and contributing significantly to the negotiations of its text. He stated:
“The EU trusts Syria’s interim president Al-Sharaa too easily. I am therefore pleased that, in this resolution, the European Parliament condemns the attack on the Mar Elias Church, calls on the Syrian transitional government to better protect religious communities and asks the Council to maintain and extend individual sanctions against those responsible for violating religious freedom. Al-Sharaa must now deliver, otherwise the EU must stop its financial support and reverse the earlier lifting of economic sanctions.”
Valeriu Ghilețchi, ECPP President:
“This is an important resolution that demonstrates the EU’s support for persecuted Christians and other religious minorities in Syria. The EU must now act on its commitments and urgently reappoint a Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion and Belief. We are grateful for the strong contributions of MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen and others who helped shape and advance this resolution!”
Plenary Debate
The topic was debated during Wednesday’s plenary session in Strasbourg. MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen argued that Europe must not be deceived by the polished appearance of Syrian interim president Al-Sharaa or vague promises. Instead, the EU should demand the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of the Damascus church attack and a strong commitment to ending jihadist violence. Ruissen insisted that Syrian authorities must protect minorities, grant them equal rights, and organize free and fair elections. The lifting of sanctions and any promised EU support, he said, should be strictly conditional on these actions.
Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB)
ECPP and its members are firmly committed to promoting Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) both within and outside the European Union. We urge the European Commission to swiftly reappoint the EU Special Envoy for FoRB and provide adequate resources to ensure the effectiveness of this role.
Recently, ECPP hosted an event to highlight the plight of religious minorities in Syria, underlining the urgent need for continued political attention and action.
