Source: European Parliament
The Commission does not keep such registries.
As of 6 March 2025, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that over 300 000 Syrians have returned to Syria via neighbouring countries since early December 2024, and that almost 890 000 internally displaced persons have returned to their home region since November 2024.
While remaining cautious due to the volatile situation in Syria, and in line with the European Council conclusions of 19 December 2024[1], the EU is committed to help creating the conditions for safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees, as defined by the UNHCR, in particular by supporting Syrians who decide to go home and by stepping up its non-humanitarian early recovery support in sectors crucial for sustainable returns.
Under the EU asylum rules, the Syrian nationals who benefit from international protection in a Member State have the right to reside in the Member State that granted them protection. EU law outlines the circumstances in which an individual protection status can be withdrawn and a number of related safeguards.
The Return Directive[2] sets out common standards and procedures to be applied by the competent authorities of the Member States for returning illegally staying third-country nationals, in compliance with fundamental rights as well as international law, including refugee protection and human rights obligations. Non-governmental organisations do not have a formal role in the carrying out those procedures.
- [1] European Council (EUCO) 50/24: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/jhlenhaj/euco-conclusions-19122024-en.pdf.
- [2] Directive 2008/115/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on common standards and procedures in Member States for returning illegally staying third-country nationals.