EU Restores Trade with Syria to Facilitate Refugee Returns

The European Union has moved to fully restore trade relations with Syria and lift remaining economic sanctions following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime. This strategic shift, confirmed by the EU Council in May 2026, aims to strengthen bilateral ties and support socio-economic reconstruction in Damascus. A primary objective of this policy is to create conditions conducive to the safe and voluntary return of the over 1.4 million Syrian refugees currently residing in EU member states. Germany, hosting the largest Syrian community, is actively pushing for repatriation, with officials projecting significant return rates in the coming years. However, experts and researchers caution that immediate mass returns are unrealistic. Many refugees have already integrated, sought citizenship, or remain in asylum procedures. Furthermore, analysts argue that despite the regime change, Syria still lacks the necessary stability and infrastructure for dignified repatriation. While EU Commissioner Dubravka Šuica emphasizes rebuilding trust and resilience, critics highlight that pressing refugees to return amidst uncertain conditions may exacerbate their vulnerabilities rather than resolve the humanitarian crisis effectively.