Syria Denies Deal With Europe on Refugee Returns

No deal exists between Damascus and European capitals for the swift repatriation of hundreds of thousands of Syrians, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani stated on Tuesday, pushing back against widespread assumptions that the fall of the Assad regime and the arrival of a new government would trigger a mass return. The reality, he indicated, is far more complex, requiring time, stability, and economic recovery—factors that go well beyond a simple change of leadership.

In an interview with Euronews, al-Shaibani clarified that discussions with European officials have only centered on establishing a return mechanism that would not hinder Syria’s reconstruction process. Such a mechanism, he stressed, is contingent on the availability of suitable economic and living conditions across all sectors of life. The minister was emphatic that Damascus does not encourage a disorganized or hasty return of refugees, warning that such a move could simply transform Syrians from refugees abroad into internally displaced persons within their own country.

Conditions for Return

Al-Shaibani underscored the international community’s role—particularly the European Union’s—in supporting the Syrian government and securing what he called a “safe environment” for any large-scale repatriation. He rejected the notion that Syria remains an unsafe country, pointing out that European states are now refusing asylum applications from those leaving Syria, signaling their own recognition of improved security and stability. However, he cautioned that imposing “involuntary and undignified returns” on Syrians could lead to “chaos in Syria,” reiterating that the proper conditions must be prepared before any widespread movement.

Implicit Response to European Demands

Political analyst Ibrahim al-Ali described al-Shaibani’s remarks as an implicit rebuttal to statements made by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. During a press conference with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in late March, Merz claimed he had reached an agreement with Syria to repatriate 80% of the refugees currently in Germany.

Speaking to RT, al-Ali noted that the foreign minister’s comments successfully tempered Europe’s eagerness for a swift, unconditional return of displaced Syrians. Al-Shaibani, he said, demonstrated that such a process requires time and active support from the international community, led by Europe, which must engage in reconstruction efforts to strengthen its own case for advocating returns. Al-Ali praised the Syrian government’s stance of linking refugee repatriation to economic plans, investments, and the rebuilding of infrastructure, arguing that this approach places the onus on Europeans to take effective initiatives toward Syria while obliging Syrians to build trust with Europe on a “step-by-step” basis.