Source: European Parliament
The EU supports the transition process towards a unified, stable and peaceful Syria. As of 6 March 2025, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that over 356 200 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 the many challenges which still lie ahead, and in line with the European Council conclusions of 19 December 2024[1], the EU is committed to help create the conditions for safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees.
The EU will continue to work with neighbouring countries as well as specialised agencies[2] in this regard, in particular by supporting Syrians who decide to go home and by stepping up its support for Syria’s socioeconomic recovery, including through the gradual easing of EU restrictive measures. The EU support and suspension of sanctions is commensurate with the developments in the country.
Syrian nationals who are beneficiaries of international protection have a right to reside in the territory of a Member State that granted them protection.
Directive 2011/95[3] provides for the conditions to assess whether the person has ceased to be a refugee or to be eligible for subsidiary protection and whether to revoke, end or refuse to renew refugee or subsidiary protection status[4].
When a person is no longer a beneficiary of international protection and if they have no other right to stay, they fall under the scope of the Return Directive[5]. When implementing the Return Directive, Member States shall respect the principle of non-refoulement[6].
- [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/12/19/european-council-conclusions-19-december-2024/.
- [2] Such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organisation for Migration.
- [3] Directive 2011/95/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on standards for the qualification of third-country nationals or stateless persons as beneficiaries of international protection, for a uniform status for refugees or for persons eligible for subsidiary protection, and for the content of the protection granted (recast).
- [4] This is subject to the procedural safeguards laid out in Directive 2013/32, including an individualised assessment and the right to an effective remedy against a decision withdrawing international protection status.
- [5] 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.
- [6] Articles 4 and 19(2) of the Charter.