ECPP stands in solidarity with the victims, their families, and the wider Christian community in Syria. We also fully support the call by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch urging the Syrian interim government to take responsibility for the protection of all citizens, including religious minorities.

ECPP President Valeriu Ghilețchi stated:

“We cannot remain silent in the face of such a barbaric attack on Syrian Christians. The Syrian interim government must protect all religious minorities from jihadist extremists. The European Union, too, must not look away from the ongoing persecution of Christians. While supporting Syria’s recovery, we must ensure that aid is tied to the safeguarding of minorities and the promotion of religious freedom.”

Leader of the current interim government in northwest Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has a jihadist history, although he asserted that Christian minorities would not have to fear under the new government. ECPP calls on the Syrian leadership to demonstrate that they are indeed reliable partners for peace and governance by protecting vulnerable minority communities. Recent diplomatic engagement with Western leaders must be matched by real action to uphold the fundamental rights and security of all citizens.

MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen responded:

“It is terrible what happened in Syria last Sunday. The new leader Al-Sharaa has promised to protect minorities, but Sunday’s events and the earlier massacres of Alawites show that he is not keeping his word. Europe must condemn this in the strongest terms. I will take the initiative for an urgent debate on this matter.”

Since 2014, Syriac-Assyrian Christians in northeast Syria have units within the broader security structure. This inclusive model—where Christian communities contribute to local security—could serve as a blueprint for a more secure and representative future across Syria. We urge Damascus to emulate that or similar measures for all of Syria and show in this way that they are serious about a secure future for Christians in Syria.

EU Support, Religious Freedom and an EU Special Envoy

The attack comes shortly after the EU suspended most economic sanctions on Syria and committed €2.5 billion to support the country’s transition, recovery, and humanitarian efforts. Aid must not come at the cost of human dignity or religious freedom.

ECPP and its members are highly committed to promote Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) both inside and outside the European Union. The intergroup on FoRB, co-presided by ECPP MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen (SGP), is one of our ways to address the issue. Since the start of the new European Commission in November 2024, together with our MEPs, we have urged the Commission the reappointment of an EU Special Envoy for FoRB. The rising hostility toward religious minorities in the MENA regions demonstrates the pressing need for such a role. We call on the Commission to act without delay.

Just last Friday, ECPP hosted an event focused on the situation of religious minorities in Syria—especially Christians. The tragic events of Sunday underscore the urgency of this discussion.

Persecution of Christians in Nigeria

The devastating attack in Syria does not stand on its own. Last week, a massacre of over 200 Christians in Yelwata, Nigeria, was committed by Fulani jihadists. In recent months, violence against Christian communities in Nigeria has escalated, with repeated attacks going largely unnoticed by the international community.

We urge the EU and international bodies to take these tragedies seriously and respond with decisive support for persecuted Christian communities worldwide. The urgent appointment of a Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief would be an essential first step.