Overview
- After touring Harasta near Damascus, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said short‑term return for most Syrian refugees is largely impossible due to vast destruction and insecurity.
- Wadephul announced up to €52.6 million in additional regional aid, including about €39.4 million for Syria, focused on humanitarian support, shelter, health and demining.
- The Interior Ministry confirmed it is working on an agreement with Syria to enable deportations beginning with convicted criminals, sticking to coalition plans despite reservations from the Foreign Office.
- The ministry decided that trips to Syria will generally void protection status in Germany, rejecting proposals to allow short exploratory visits without status consequences.
- The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees has resumed decisions for a defined cohort of Syrian asylum cases, while UNHCR warns Syria’s absorption capacity is exhausted and returns remain risky.