EU Says Stability in Syria Insufficient for Refugee Repatriation
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The European Union announced on Saturday that conditions in Syria have not improved to a level that would allow EU member states to begin the large-scale return of Syrian refugees, citing continued instability and security concerns.
European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner said that Syria is still not considered a safe country under European Union regulations. “The situation in Syria has not improved sufficiently for EU countries to start returning Syrian refugees to their homeland,” Brunner stated.
Speaking in an interview with the German News Agency (dpa), Brunner added, “We have not yet reached a point where Syria is stable enough to implement large-scale deportations.” He emphasized that assessments conducted by EU institutions continue to classify Syria as unsafe for enforced returns.
Brunner noted that the European Union remains engaged in providing support aimed at improving conditions inside Syria. “Syria is not yet considered a safe country according to EU rules,” he said, adding that the bloc “is supporting efforts to improve the situation and work toward changing this reality.”
According to the European commissioner, current EU policy prioritizes voluntary return rather than compulsory measures. “The initial focus—excluding criminals—is on encouraging voluntary returns for migrants to their countries, which have been devastated by civil war,” Brunner said.
Since the outbreak of the Syrian conflict in 2011, millions of Syrians have sought refuge abroad, including in several European countries. Despite a decline in large-scale hostilities in some areas, ongoing security challenges, economic deterioration, and limited access to basic services continue to impede safe and dignified returns.
European officials said discussions among EU member states regarding migration and asylum policies are ongoing, with an emphasis on voluntary return mechanisms and respect for international humanitarian standards.
The European Commission stated that it will continue to monitor developments in Syria and coordinate with international partners, while maintaining its current position on refugee repatriation until conditions on the ground show tangible and verifiable improvement.