Only a political process led by the different Syrian groups and supported by the UN could end a war in Syria and the EU should take a more active role.

MEPs endorsed the EU strategy for Syria and advocated for a united and independent country in a resolution voted on Thursday. They are convinced that only a political process led by Syrian groups, under UN supervision and based on a new constitution, can lead to free and fair elections. This is the only way to end a war, which already cost 400.000 lives and left 13.5 mln. people in urgent need of food, water and shelter.

The EU, as the largest donor, needs to involve itself more in the Syrian peace process: facilitate the political transition, bring parties closer together, support the Syrian population and prepare for reconstruction, MEPs say. They also hint at some early confidence-building measures, such as unhindered humanitarian access throughout Syria, the end of all city sieges or the release of hostages.

MEPs condemn the atrocities, human rights and international law violations by all parties in the conflict, and in particular the forces of the Assad regime, supported by Russia and Iran, as well as by ISIS/Da’esh and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham. They urge that a Syria war crime tribunal be set up, pending a successful referral of these crimes to the International Criminal Court.

Quick facts

In March 2017, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini presented a joint communication on an EU strategy for Syria, which outlines how the EU can play a more visible and effective role in contributing to the lasting political solution in Syria.

On 18 May the Council adopted conclusions on security and defence in the context of the EU Global Strategy. The conclusions take note of progress in strengthening cooperation in the area of security and defence, and provide guidance for further work. The areas covered include:

 – Improving CSDP crisis management structures, in particular the ongoing work leading to the establishment of a military planning and conduct capability (MPCC) within the EU military staff (part of the EEAS) which will assume command of non-executive military CSDP missions (currently: EUTM Somalia, EUTM RCA, EUTM Mali), as agreed on 6 March 2017;

 – Strengthening CSDP cooperation with partner countries, with the aim to adopt a more strategic approach to Common and Security Defence Policy partnerships, in view of enhancing cooperation, with a focus on partner countries that share EU values, including the respect for international law, and are able and willing to contribute to CSDP missions and operations;

 – Capacity building for security and development (CBSD), in order to fully cover all the requirements needed to support partner countries in preventing and managing crises on their own;

 – Developing civilian capabilities and enhancing the responsiveness of civilian crisis management, including the possible creation of a core responsiveness capacity;

 – Reinforcing military rapid response, including EU battlegroups, with a view to developing further their modularity in a pragmatic way and to adapt as necessary the financing arrangements;

 – Deepening European defence cooperation, taking stock and providing guidance on the way forward on

•  an inclusive permanent structured cooperation (PESCO), which would allow those member states who are willing and able to collaborate further in the area of security and defence and which would, in turn, help generate new collaborative efforts, cooperation and projects.
• the possibility of a voluntary coordinated annual review on defence (CARD), which would be a process aimed at offering a better overview at EU level of defence spending, national investment and defence research efforts. This would support member states in delivering capabilities to tackle existing and future strategic trends and challenges, and actively promote enhance defence cooperation among member states.
• the European Defence Action Plan of the European Commission, which foresees new financial tools for capability development and defence cooperation in support of the European defence industry and technological innovation. 

“I welcome today’s positive vote of the European Parliament on the portability of online content across borders, following the agreement reached between the European Parliament, Council and Commission at the beginning of the year. I warmly thank the European Parliament rapporteur Jean-Marie Cavada for his work in achieving this and look forward to final approval by Member States in the coming weeks.

The rules voted today mean that, as of the beginning of next year, people who have subscribed to their favourite series, music and sports events at home will be able to enjoy them when they travel in the European Union. Combined with the end of roaming charges, it means that watching films or listening to music while on holiday abroad will not bring any additional costs to people who use mobile networks.

This is an important step in breaking down barriers in the Digital Single Market.

We now need agreements on our other proposals to modernise EU copyright rules and ensure wider access to creative content across borders and fairer rules for creators. I rely on the European Parliament and Member States to make swift progress to make this happen.”

For more information:

Announcement on the agreement that enables consumers to keep access to online content services from home when they travel in the EU

Q&A Portability of online content services

Press release on proposals to modernise EU copyright rules

Press release on mid-term review of the Digital Single Market strategy