After the fall of the Assad regime
For many years, the Syrian people have experienced terrible suffering. Following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, the transitional government is responsible for leading the country to lasting peace. The Federal Government supports the Syrian transition process.
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Almost 14 years of civil war have plunged Syria into a humanitarian crisis.
Photo: picture alliance / abaca /Ugur Yildirim/DIA Images
- Support subject to conditions
- Retrospective
- EU sanctions against Syria lifted
- Security-related sanctions remain in place
- The Federal Government's diplomatic and humanitarian actions
The Federal Government will support Syria stabilising the country and rebuilding its economy. In so doing, the Federal Government is also enabling refugees to return to their homeland. The Federal Government has formalised this support in its coalition agreement.
Protection and the social and political participation of all segments of the population are of central importance to the Federal Government. Human rights must be respected, especially the rights of women.
Support subject to conditions
Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Johann Wadephul expects the new Syrian government to "maintain balance among the various segments of the population and fight terrorism. After that, we can ensure that protection for the country is secured in dialogue with all of its neighbours."
The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development has made the "New Beginning for Syria" platform available for anyone who would like to get involved in the reconstruction of Syria.
Retrospective
The civil war between the Assad regime and opposition groups began in Syria in 2011. It subsequently triggered one of the biggest humanitarian crises and one of the worst refugee disasters in the world. Almost one million Syrians have received protection in Germany.
On 8 December 2024, fighters from the Islamist militia Hajat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) conquered Damascus, ending the long rule of Bashar al-Assad. A transitional government under Ahmed al-Sharaa now controls large parts of the country.
EU sanctions against Syria lifted
On 20 May 2025, the EU voted to lift all economic sanctions against Syria, including those against the Central Bank of Syria and against economically significant companies in the critical areas of energy and finance. Germany has played a key role in this.
The Federal Government and the other governments of the EU Member States hope for a new beginning with Syria: "We are giving the Syrian Government a chance, but we also expect inclusive policies within the country that include all parts of society and religious groups," said Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Wadephul. Syria has always been a diverse country. "The important thing for us is that a united Syria can take its future into its own hands."
Security-related sanctions remain in place
Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Reem Alabali Radovan said: "For a successful and peaceful new beginning in Syria, it is crucial that the economy gets moving and that people can provide the basic necessities for themselves." The lifting of sanctions would strengthen peoples' capacity for self-help in Syrian society.
At the same time, one thing remains clear: security-related sanctions remain in effect, including those against the chemical weapons programme and the former Assad regime.
The Federal Government's diplomatic and humanitarian actions
Since March, the German Embassy in Damascus has reopened after 13 years in order to strengthen political dialogue in the country. Operations there are subject to tight restrictions until further notice.
According to the United Nations, 16.7 million of the approximately 24 million inhabitants are dependent on humanitarian aid. The Federal Government is therefore providing humanitarian aid to address acute emergencies. The aim is to help people survive in dignity and safety and to alleviate suffering. Development cooperation in Syria, on the other hand, is aimed at the long-term and sustainable improvement of economic, social, ecological and political conditions.