Katrin Langensiepen, a member of the European Parliament, expressed concern over the situation in northern and eastern Syria, stressing that the European Union is closely monitoring developments and emphasizing the need to protect the Kurds and guarantee their rights.
She made these remarks during an interview with Rudaw Media Network on Saturday, February 28, 2026. She explained that she had been following the situation in Syria since 2015 and 2016, when Syrian refugees began arriving in Europe. She also visited northeastern Syria, including the city of Qamishlo and the al-Hol camp.
Langensiepen noted that she was shocked during her visit to the camp, stating: “I was astonished that the Kurds defended themselves or fought ISIS and took prisoners and people to al-Hol camp. It is a camp that is extremely difficult to protect or control.” She added that the children in the camp, particularly European children, were “really aggressive,” noting that the camp appeared to her as “a forgotten place.”
She stressed that European countries bear responsibility for their citizens in the camp, saying: “We in Europe are also responsible for European citizens. We must bring them back. We must repatriate the prisoners, the women, and the children.”
Regarding political developments in Syria, Langensiepen explained that the European Parliament does not possess direct military authority, but it does have influence in overseeing how European Union funds are spent. She added that discussions within the parliament focus on monitoring how these funds are directed under the presence of a new leadership in Damascus.
In this context, she stated: “In my opinion, it is very clear that after years we really cannot trust the president in Damascus,” noting that Europeans are aware of how the authorities deal with citizens inside Syria and with its different components.
Concerning the situation in Kurdish areas and the continued siege on Kobani, she explained that the European Parliament has discussed the issue and that they possess information about the deterioration of the humanitarian situation there.
Langensiepen stressed her supportive stance toward the Kurds, saying: “Hands off the Kurds, grant them freedom, otherwise we will act and stand against the president when it comes to providing aid and funding, and when it comes to recognition.”
She also noted that the European Union can play a diplomatic role in the reconstruction of Syria and support its political process, but this requires acceptance from Damascus. She added that Europeans possess pressure tools such as imposing sanctions if no genuine steps are taken toward peace and the protection of all components.
Regarding violations, she stressed that human rights abuses “are a crime and their perpetrators must ultimately stand before the courts,” emphasizing the need for the Syrian authorities to demonstrate a genuine commitment to holding those responsible accountable in order to convince Europeans of the seriousness of their political path.
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