Anadolu Ajansı
ISTANBUL – European experts stress the urgency of EU involvement in resolving Syria’s crisis, emphasizing strengthened cooperation with Türkiye to mitigate risks to Europe and the Middle East.
Velina Tchakarova, a geopolitical strategist and founder of FACE, highlighted the importance of Syria’s territorial integrity and minority protection during a recent call between EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“The EU risks being a passive observer,” Tchakarova told Anadolu. “To stabilize the region, EU-Türkiye collaboration must translate into tangible actions.” She also underscored the need to build institutions enabling the safe return of displaced Syrians.
Von der Leyen is scheduled to visit Türkiye next week for discussions on Syria, coinciding with the aftermath of November’s clashes between anti-regime groups and Assad regime forces. The fall of the Baath Party, which ruled Syria since 1963, has left the country’s future uncertain.
Donato Di Bartolomeo, a Middle East expert at the European University Institute, noted that many Syrians oppressed by the Assad regime are placing their hopes in groups like HTS. “The leadership of Abu Mohammad al-Jolani could shape potential scenarios for Syria’s future,” he said.
Experts believe a coordinated EU-Türkiye strategy is vital to ensuring stability in Syria and beyond.