Dutch lawmakers criticize EU response to Syria violence

Dutch lawmakers Pieter Omtzigt (NSC) and Eric van der Burg (VVD) have sharply criticized the European Union’s diplomatic response to recent violence in Syria. They argue that the EU misrepresented the situation and failed to properly identify those responsible for the attacks.

The EU’s diplomatic service issued a statement on X on Saturday, strongly condemning the attacks and all violence against civilians. The statement also claimed that the recent assaults were "reportedly carried out by pro-Assad elements on troops of the interim government in Syria’s coastal regions."

Omtzigt, however, rejected this characterization, calling the EU’s response "a bizarre statement given the many horrific images of summary executions that appear to be the work of the new rulers and their allies." Van der Burg echoed his concerns, stating, "This reverses the roles of perpetrators and victims. The regime is responsible here."

Reports from Syria present conflicting narratives about the perpetrators of the violence. While some sources blame forces loyal to the ousted president, Bashar al-Assad, others suggest that the new ruling factions are responsible for brutal retaliatory actions, including executions.