Called on by several MEPs to do more to resolve the conflict in Syria, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell acknowledged that the EU is powerless.
“I understand and share the sense of frustration of many of your speeches, as the EU has remained powerless in the face of the Syrian crisis. We say, ‘We must, we must, we must’ [...] Yes, but with what leverage, with what strength, with what capacity can we affect the players” who are competing in this conflict? he admitted at the end of a debate with MEPs in Strasbourg.
According to the High Representative, what happened in Syria is “an important lesson for Europe”. “If we really want to be a geopolitical player, we must act and we must have the means to do so. Otherwise, we will continue to hold parliamentary sessions like this to continue to say ‘we must, we must, we must’”, he added.
During the debate, MEPs speaking on behalf of the EPP, Renew Europe and Greens/EFA groups once again called on the EU to do more. Hilde Vautmans (Renew Europe, Belgium) asked the High Representative to draw up a plan “quickly”, adding that the main objective should be an immediate ceasefire. “More can be done, [such as] conducting diplomatic action for a ceasefire and an extension of sanctions, including against Turkish and Russian officials”, added Hannah Neumann (Greens/EFA, Germany).
The only promises the High Representative announced were that the EU is ready to do more to support UN action and in terms of humanitarian aid and that it would continue to apply its sanctions. “Although it is difficult, we need to redouble our efforts to identify common interests with other international players: Russia, the United States, Turkey and others”, he said. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)