EU warns Syrian transitional government over new schoolbooks praising jihad and anti-Jewish tropes

An Israel-based monitoring group analyzed 130 Syrian schoolbooks and found a shift from pan-Arab nationalism to an Islamist narrative that praises jihad, martyrdom and portrays Jews as treacherous. The study also notes reduced coverage of minorities, altered scientific content and a more restrictive portrayal of women. In response, the European Commission said it is aware of the findings and will keep raising the matter with Syria’s transitional authorities, emphasizing the role of education in fostering tolerance.

The commission stressed that any non-humanitarian EU assistance is tightly monitored, though it did not say if the curriculum issue will change funding. The report follows the EU’s broader engagement with President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government, including a €620 million aid package announced by Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa during a 2026 visit to Damascus.