Eight European Union member states, including Austria, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Malta, and Poland, have called for a re-evaluation of the situation in Syria to allow for the voluntary return of Syrian refugees back to their homeland. Although political stability in Syria has not yet been fully achieved, the countries agreed that the situation has “considerably evolved.” The officials issued a joint declaration during a summit meeting in Cyprus, stating that a reassessment is necessary to find more effective ways to handle Syrian refugees trying to reach EU countries.
Cyprus has experienced an increase in Syrian refugees arriving on its shores from Lebanon in recent months, prompting concern from European Union member states. The EU announced a $1.06 billion aid package to Lebanon aimed at improving border controls to prevent the flow of asylum seekers to Cyprus and Italy. The eight countries have called for increased support for Lebanon to help manage the risk of further migration to the EU. They emphasized the need for decisions on border crossings to be made by member state governments rather than criminal networks involved in migrant smuggling.
The push for a re-evaluation of the situation in Syria comes after 15 EU member countries called for increased partnerships with countries along migratory routes to support local populations and deter attempts to reach EU countries. While the re-evaluation does not necessarily mean that Syrian refugees will be deported back to their country, those from areas deemed safe may lose benefits, allowances, and the right to work, creating a disincentive for further migration to Cyprus. The countries hope that their discussions will lead to a wider debate within the EU on the process of granting international protection to migrants.
The European Union member states emphasized the need to support Syrian refugees in accordance with international law, while also addressing the concerns and preferences of European citizens. Greek Migration Minister Dimitris Kairidis emphasized the importance of practical and realistic solutions that can be implemented to address the refugee crisis. In Lebanon, where anti-refugee sentiment is on the rise, over 300 Syrian refugees recently returned to Syria in a convoy. Lebanese officials have called on the international community to help resettle refugees or support their return to Syria.
The issue of Syrian refugees returning home and the handling of migration from Lebanon to the EU remains a key concern for European Union member states. The joint declaration by the eight countries reflects their efforts to address the evolving situation in Syria and find sustainable solutions for handling refugee flows. The proposal for a re-evaluation of conditions within Syria highlights the complexity of the refugee crisis and the need for coordinated action at the EU level to ensure the protection of refugees and the security of member states.
