
EU Could Restore Syria Ties—Without Clarity on Migrant Returns
Brussels foreign ministers agreed to reopen the suspended framework prior to scheduled talks with the Syrian interim foreign minister.

Brussels foreign ministers agreed to reopen the suspended framework prior to scheduled talks with the Syrian interim foreign minister.

In 2024, 83,150 Syrians were granted German citizenship, bringing the ten-year total to over 245,000.

The AfD says Merz will “dutifully follow” orders from Damascus.

The German chancellor said up to 80% of Syrians could return within three years, citing Damascus—an account now disputed.

There is something decidedly grim beneath the normalisation of the Damascus regime: a tacit acknowledgement that violence, waged successfully enough, will eventually translate into legitimacy.

The plan would involve returning hundreds of thousands, but legal and practical barriers remain steep.

Berlin is establishing a joint task force with Damascus to facilitate the return of over 800,000 Syrian nationals.

The former jihadist president’s Berlin visit highlights the growing gap between the official narrative on refugees and reality.

“A leader who privately embraces sectarian expansion while publicly signaling moderation cannot credibly claim to protect minorities or respect state sovereignty,” counterterrorism expert Sarah Adams said.

Damascus accused of violating previous agreements as its forces advance into Kurdish-controlled areas.