Support for communities of Greek origin in Syria and Lebanon

Question for written answer E-004736/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)

The Hellenism of the Eastern Mediterranean, especially in Syria and Lebanon, is one of the oldest historical presences outside the Greek State. Greek Orthodox communities and those of Greek origin have settled over time in Damascus, Latakia, Tripoli, Antioch and Beirut, forming the core of the Rum Orthodox, which is historically associated with Hellenism, despite its current Arabic-speaking identity.

The region also served as a refuge for Christian populations fleeing the great persecutions of the 20th century: Christians of Alexandretta after the province's annexation by Türkiye (1939), as well as Armenians, Syrian Orthodox and other Eastern Christians who settled in Syria and Lebanon fleeing genocides and persecution by the Ottomans/Turks.

In present-day Syria, the number of Christians has dramatically reduced due to war, armed groups and economic collapse. In addition, international organisations have documented that the Turkish military presence in Northern Syria, particularly in Afrin since 2018 and in the surrounding areas of influence up to Idlib, has been accompanied by displacement, property encroachment and pressures that have disproportionately affected Christian and other minority populations.

The Commission is asked:

• 1.Does it intend to review the absence of a specific EU policy or programme to support communities of European origin outside the EU, given that Greece is a nation that has established a State and naturally has an interest in the survival of historical communities of Greek origin?
• 2.What would be the process to achieve this?

Submitted: 28.11.2025