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Monday, Jun 02, 2025
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EU Facilitates Returns to Syria Amid Ongoing Rebuilding Efforts
Frontex reports over 1,000 voluntary returns as EU lifts sanctions to support stability in Syria.
Brussels – The European Union is actively facilitating the voluntary return of Syrian nationals, with over 1,000 individuals having returned to Syria since March, according to Frontex, the EU's coastguard and border guard agency.
The agency has indicated that it plays a role in restoring normalcy in Syria, particularly following the fall of Bashar Al-Assad's regime, allowing refugees who previously resided in the EU to embark on a new chapter in their home country.
Frontex reports that fourteen EU member states have participated in these processes, highlighting a significant commitment to ensuring safe and dignified returns for those affected.
Hans Leijtens, the Executive Director of Frontex, described this initiative as a crucial step in addressing the deep humanitarian needs of returning refugees.
He stated that for many, returning home signifies the opportunity to reunite with family, reclaim their lives, and restore their dignity.
Moreover, the EU's efforts align with the data provided by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which estimates that over 356,200 Syrians have returned to their homeland via neighboring countries since December 2024. Additionally, nearly 890,000 internally displaced persons have reportedly returned to their home regions since November 2024.
In light of these developments, the EU has reiterated its commitment to creating conditions that support the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of refugees.
The EU’s Commissioner for Home Affairs and Immigration, Magnus Brunner, emphasized the necessity for a stable and inclusive political environment in Syria to encourage further returns.
In a recent move, the European Union lifted sanctions against 24 entities previously subject to restrictions, a decision made during the last EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting.
This list includes significant institutions such as the Central Bank of Syria and various companies crucial for the country's economic recovery.
This shift aims to support stability in Syria and foster an environment conducive to the return of refugees.
While the EU's approach shows a willingness to aid in Syria's recovery, it also stipulates that any support will be conditional on developments within the country.
The EU Council has noted that it remains prepared to impose new restrictive measures against any individuals or entities that violate human rights or contribute to instability within Syria.
Commissioner Brunner reiterated that support from the EU, including the lifting of sanctions, will correspond with improvements in the situation on the ground.
The agency has indicated that it plays a role in restoring normalcy in Syria, particularly following the fall of Bashar Al-Assad's regime, allowing refugees who previously resided in the EU to embark on a new chapter in their home country.
Frontex reports that fourteen EU member states have participated in these processes, highlighting a significant commitment to ensuring safe and dignified returns for those affected.
Hans Leijtens, the Executive Director of Frontex, described this initiative as a crucial step in addressing the deep humanitarian needs of returning refugees.
He stated that for many, returning home signifies the opportunity to reunite with family, reclaim their lives, and restore their dignity.
Moreover, the EU's efforts align with the data provided by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which estimates that over 356,200 Syrians have returned to their homeland via neighboring countries since December 2024. Additionally, nearly 890,000 internally displaced persons have reportedly returned to their home regions since November 2024.
In light of these developments, the EU has reiterated its commitment to creating conditions that support the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of refugees.
The EU’s Commissioner for Home Affairs and Immigration, Magnus Brunner, emphasized the necessity for a stable and inclusive political environment in Syria to encourage further returns.
In a recent move, the European Union lifted sanctions against 24 entities previously subject to restrictions, a decision made during the last EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting.
This list includes significant institutions such as the Central Bank of Syria and various companies crucial for the country's economic recovery.
This shift aims to support stability in Syria and foster an environment conducive to the return of refugees.
While the EU's approach shows a willingness to aid in Syria's recovery, it also stipulates that any support will be conditional on developments within the country.
The EU Council has noted that it remains prepared to impose new restrictive measures against any individuals or entities that violate human rights or contribute to instability within Syria.
Commissioner Brunner reiterated that support from the EU, including the lifting of sanctions, will correspond with improvements in the situation on the ground.
