German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to raise the issue of migrant returns when he meets Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Berlin next Tuesday, according to a German government spokesperson. The talks will also focus on Syria’s political transition following years of civil war and international isolation.
The spokesperson said Germany is interested in rebuilding relations with Syria and opening a new chapter with the country’s new leadership. One of the key issues Berlin wants to discuss is the possible return of Syrians currently living in Germany to their home country, especially as Syria begins a new political phase.
Germany hosts hundreds of thousands of Syrians, many of whom arrived during the peak of the refugee crisis around 10 years ago. At the time, former Chancellor Angela Merkel introduced an open-door policy that allowed about one million refugees to enter the country, with Syrians making up a large share of those fleeing war and violence.
Since then, Germany’s political climate has changed. Support for far-right parties has grown, while Merz’s conservative CDU party has taken a tougher stance on migration. The current government has promised stricter border controls and faster deportations for asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected. Many Syrians in Germany still hold only temporary residence permits, leaving their long-term future uncertain.
The upcoming visit will be President Sharaa’s first trip to Germany since his Islamist-led forces removed longtime Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Since taking power, Sharaa has travelled to several countries as part of efforts to restore Syria’s international relations after years of diplomatic isolation.
However, Syria’s path to recovery remains difficult. Recent violence in Aleppo has raised concerns, particularly as Kurdish forces resist attempts by the new government to bring all armed groups under central control. These security challenges continue to worry European governments considering closer engagement with Damascus.
The German government confirmed that the violence and security situation will be discussed during the meeting. Officials said Berlin wants clarity on how Syria’s political transition will be managed and whether all groups in the country will be protected.
According to the spokesperson, Germany’s main concern is ensuring that Syria becomes safe and stable enough for all citizens. He stressed that any political transition must allow different social and ethnic groups to live safely and take part equally in public and political life, a point Berlin considers central to future cooperation with Syria.