EU countries against Turkish invasion in Kurdish region in northern Syria

Turkey must stop its military operations in Syria, according to the European Union. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker calls on Ankara to be cautious and to stop the offensive against Kurdish groups in northern Syria. The EU is not going to pay in ieder for the 'safe zone' that the Turks want to create to establish Syrian refugees there, he said in the European Parliament.

Several EU countries have condemned the Turkish operation. The EU said earlier that a Turkish military operation will make civilian casualties expel many residents from the home and hearth area. According to Europe, the conflict must be resolved politically, not militarily.

Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok has summoned the Turkish ambassador to the Netherlands. The minister calls on the ambassador to express his disapproval of the Turkish invasion of northeastern Syria.

Blok states that "no one benefits from the potentially terrible humanitarian consequences" of the Turkish invasion. The minister pointed out that the military actions could trigger new refugee flows and could play into the hands of the Islamic State (IS).

He calls the raid "harmful to stability in the region". Blok demands more clarity through the ambassador about "the consequences of the operation" and is considering any follow-up steps. The diplomatic circles see the lack of an ambassador as a heavy means.

The House of Representatives has been alarmed by the Turkish invasion of Syria. Parties of coalition and opposition argue for measures against Turkey. Governmental party CDA calls the invasion unheard of, but not unexpected. "The announced departure from the United States gives room to Turkey's desire for expansion," responds CDA MP Martijn van Helvert.

Coalition partner D66 also sees it that way. "Not unexpectedly, but very worrying. Now it is up to EU to persuade Turkey to change its mind with all diplomatic means and with sanctions, "says D66'er Sjoerd Sjoerdsma. Government partner ChristenUnie also believes that this cannot remain without consequences.

The VVD does not want to exclude sanctions. That party wants rapid responses from EU, NATO and the United Nations. Opposition party SP talks about a completely illegal, irresponsible and unacceptable attack on the Syrian communities. "You get this when Trump makes dirty deals with President Erdogan," said MP Sadet Karabulut

GroenLinks calls the invasion a disaster for the Kurdish civilian population in the area. Any form of military cooperation with Turkey must be immediately suspended, says leader Jesse Klaver. "The EU must now show leadership and call Turkey to order."