The situation in north and northeast Syria has evolved with great speed and complexity in recent weeks. There have been longstanding tensions between the new Syrian authorities and the autonomous Kurdish forces, but also political efforts to address these, notably in the agreement of March 2025. The clashes which broke out in Aleppo seem to have started between local forces, but then spiralled to a higher level. There was an important agreement in Damascus on 18 January between the Syrian Government and the Kurdish SDF, but this has been imperfectly implemented at best, and a number of local ceasefires have also broken down. While it seems all out conflict has been avoided, large areas have passed from SDF to Government control, with significant displacement of persons as well. A clearer picture has yet to emerge.
I would note that President al-Sharaa has issued a decree recognising Syrian Kurds as an essential part of the Syrian people and the country's diverse national identity. and also recognized Kurdish as a national language and Nowruz as a national holiday. These are important steps in Syria's transition and the broad acceptance of the diversity of ethnicity, religion and culture in Syria.
I plan to attend the Foreign Affairs Council on 29 January and will discuss the situation in Syria with my EU counterparts. Civilian protection and humanitarian access will be key issues for discussion. I note that the 18 January agreement included provision for humanitarian access, so this is an issue of which both sides are aware.
