EU's new Commissioner Lahbib urges unity for new era in Syria

ISTANBUL

The EU's new commissioner for preparedness, crisis management, and equality on Tuesday urged all sides in Syria's over-decade-long civil war to come together for peace and stability.

Reaffirming the bloc's support for the Syrian people, Hadja Lahbib said in a video posted on X: "The time has come for all parties, for all Syrians, to come together for peace and stability."

In the address, which came after Syria's longtime Baath regime under deposed President Bashar al-Assad Lahbib emphasized that her new role as commissioner would focus on achieving this goal.

"I believe that a new era of justice, freedom, and prosperity can begin for all those who call Syria home. The Syrian people can count on the EU’s support," she said.

Lahbib also highlighted plans to increase humanitarian aid to Syrians. "With more dialogue and unity, we will uphold international humanitarian law and human rights. This is the only path the Syrian people deserve, and the EU will stand by you on this journey."

The EU had previously welcomed the overthrow of the Assad regime and expressed readiness to work with all constructive partners in the region.

Developments in Syria

Intense clashes erupted on Nov. 27 between anti-regime armed groups and forces loyal to the regime.

By Dec. 7, opposition groups held key provinces, including Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, and Homs. With growing support from the public, these groups entered the capital Damascus, forcing the regime from large swathes of the country.

The collapse marked the end of the Baath Party’s 61-year rule in Syria, with Assad fleeing the capital.

Meanwhile, the Syrian National Army launched the "Dawn of Freedom Operation" in December, liberating the Tel Rifaat district from the terrorist organization PKK/YPG on its first day. The operation also freed Manbij, clearing the largest PKK/YPG stronghold west of the Euphrates River.