European Parliament Delegation Visits Foreign Relations Department of Democratic Autonomous Administration in Zalin

ZALIN, North and East Syria — A high-level delegation from the European Parliament, led by Martin Schirdewan, co-chair of The Left group, visited the headquarters of the Foreign Relations Department of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES) this week, in a gesture of growing European interest in the region’s grassroots experiment in self-governance. 

The delegation’s visit to the DAARNES political center included discussions on Syria’s wider conflict, the evolving model of autonomy in the northeast, and the inclusive role of women within its governing structures. 

Alongside Schirdewan were Philipp Degenshard, head of the International Division at the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation; Faik Yağizay, the Strasbourg-based representative of Turkey’s Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM); his advisor Sarah Glenn.

The visitors were welcomed by Ilham Ahmed, co-chair of the Foreign Relations Department, as well as deputy co-chairs Rubel Bahho and Gulistan Ali. 

Talks focused on the current political and humanitarian conditions in Syria, the Administration’s negotiations with the Syrian Transitional Government (STG), and the lifting of international sanctions. The DAARNES officials also raised concerns about the need for the STG authorities to uphold democratic commitments—particularly those related to minority rights and gender equality.

“We came to witness firsthand the political situation here in northeast Syria,” Schirdewan told local officials. “We are working on political proposals that can support the Kurdish cause in the European Parliament.” He emphasized that Europe has a vested interest in a stable, pluralistic, and democratic Syria built on principles of equality and civic participation. “We see ourselves as partners in the political struggles the Autonomous Administration is leading,” he added. 

The visit comes at a time of geopolitical uncertainty for the region. For the DAARNES, fostering ties with European actors is seen as critical to ensuring both international recognition and long-term viability.