EU considers restarting deportations to Syria after Assad’s fall

European Union member states are preparing for a debate on whether current conditions permit the return, or even forced deportation, of certain categories of Syrian citizens.

According to a report in Euractiv, this initiative, distributed to national representatives this week, may signal the first time the bloc is seriously considering restarting deportations to Syria.

The topic will be discussed by member state representatives on Wednesday at the Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper) before the external dimension of migration is debated at the Home Affairs Council next week.

The document calls for a discussion among EU governments on the feasibility of voluntary and forced returns, particularly for individuals who pose a “security risk” or have been “convicted of a crime” and do not have the right to remain in the EU.

In recent months, some member states have initiated dialogue with Syria’s transitional authorities to explore possibilities for cooperation on return mechanisms.

The document states that “some member states now consider that conditions are in place to allow for the forced return of certain categories of persons.”

At a migration meeting held in Zugspitze last July, EU interior ministers declared that “returns to Afghanistan and Syria should be possible.”

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt was accompanied by his counterparts from France, Poland, Austria, Denmark, and the Czech Republic, in the presence of EU Migration Chief Magnus Brunner.

The collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024 and the appointment of Abu Mohammad al-Jolani (Ahmed al-Sharaa) have altered the political landscape.

Despite these developments, the EU acknowledges that Syria remains “fragile.” The document notes that ongoing violence, civilian casualties, and widespread destruction are obstacles to safe and sustainable returns.

Reconstruction efforts are underway with investments from Türkiye and Gulf countries, but the humanitarian situation remains dire.

For now, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) warns against forced returns. In April, the head of the UN’s International Organization for Migration told Euractiv that a full-scale return of migrants from the EU to Syria is not currently feasible.

According to the document, following Frontex’s decision to resume limited operations to Syria earlier this year, 3,398 Syrian citizens were voluntarily returned with Frontex’s support between March and September 2025.

The main participating countries were Cyprus, Germany, and Denmark.

Overall, 12,365 return decisions were issued to Syrians in the first half of 2025—a 12% increase from the previous year. This indicates a growing political will for returns, despite the UNHCR’s warning that “conditions for safe, dignified, and sustainable large-scale returns are not yet in place.”

The debate over deportation to Syria is likely to be contentious. Some EU countries, particularly those under domestic pressure to curb migration, may push for a faster resumption of returns.

Others may warn that any premature steps could undermine international law and humanitarian principles, especially the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits sending individuals back to a place where they may face harm.

The Danish Council Presidency has invited member states to share their experiences and positions, signaling the beginning of a broader policy reassessment of Europe’s stance on post-Assad Syria.

For Brussels, this issue extends beyond migration management; it is a test of the EU’s collective approach to a rapidly changing Middle East.

With the EU having committed 175 million euros to support Syria’s social and economic recovery, the question now is whether Europe will shift from providing humanitarian aid to facilitating the return of Syrians, voluntary or otherwise.