A celebration event was organized at the European Parliament’s main building in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, on the occasion of Kurdish New Year, Newroz.
The event was organized by the EP Kurdish Friendship Group, The Left-GUE/NGL, S&D, and Greens/EFA, and was attended by numerous European and Kurdish politicians. During the event, the peshmerga fighters who were killed in Tuesday’s attack in Erbil were also commemorated.
Among those attending the celebration were MEPs Andreas Schieder, Leoluca Orlando, Per Clausen, Rudi Kennis, Evin İncir, and Özlem Alev Demirel, as well as KNK Co-Chair Ahmet Karamus, DEM Party MP Berdan Öztürk, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s EU Representative Dr. Dilawer Ajgeyî, and DEM Party’s European representatives Eyüp Doru and Faik Yağızay.
‘Newroz is a symbol of freedom and resistance’
Faik Yağızay, the DEM Party’s Representative to the Council of Europe, delivered the opening speech, condemning Iran’s missile attack on Erbil and commemorating the peshmerga fighters who lost their lives.
MEP Andreas Schieder stated that Kurds are an important force in the Middle East, fighting for freedom and democracy. Congratulating the Kurdish people on Newroz, he said, “Newroz is not only a celebration, but also a symbol of freedom and resistance for the Kurdish people.”
Per Clausen expressed his pleasure to celebrate Newroz together with the Kurds, saying, “Although Kurds are going through a difficult period in the Middle East today, their situation in Turkey, Iran, and Syria is gradually improving. I hope their efforts will yield results.”
‘Kurdish resistance gives us hope’
Leoluca Orlando emphasized that the Kurdish people’s struggle is inspiring and said: “I am the oldest member of parliament. Newroz has a history of 3,000 years. We are both old. Newroz also represents freedom and equality. Therefore, you have the right to these values. Laughing, celebrating, and enjoying yourselves are your fundamental rights. We are here, as a matter of democracy, to support these rights. You are under oppression in the countries where you live, yet you continue to struggle for democracy and resist. Thank you for showing us that resistance is possible and for giving us hope.”
Belgian MEP Rudi Kennis stressed that denying the Kurdish people is unacceptable, stating: “Kurds, like all peoples of the world, should have the right to self-determination.”
Rudi Kennis strongly criticized the policies of the United States and Western states, saying, “It is shameful that you have been politically betrayed by the United States.”
KNK Co-Chair Ahmet Karamus emphasized that Newroz represents peace, brotherhood, and equality for Kurds, while DEM Party MP Berdan Öztürk noted that millions of Kurds once again conveyed messages of peace and freedom during Newroz 2026, calling on countries in the region to take this into account.
MEP Evin İncir also highlighted the importance of Newroz and congratulated participants on the occasion.
Following the speeches, the music groups Koma Zarokan and Koma Jorda performed on stage. The event concluded with dances accompanied by Kurdish songs.