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
- Repatriations to Syria
- First parliamentary election
- The Federal Government supports the transition process
- 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 wants to help stabilise Syria. “I have invited Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa to Germany to talk to him about how we can solve this together”, said Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz during his inaugural visit to Schleswig-Holstein. The Federal Government will of course continue to deport offenders to Syria, said the Chancellor. “We will now implement this in a very concrete way. The Minister of the Interior is also at work in this area. We want to help stabilise the country so that this can now be achieved sustainably.”
Repatriations to Syria
The Chancellor emphasised: “The civil war in Syria is over. There are now no longer any grounds for asylum in Germany, and that’s why we can start repatriating people.” However, he hopes that a large proportion of the refugees will now return to the country of their own accord and take part in the reconstruction there. “Reconstruction is not possible without these people. Those in Germany who then refuse to return to the country can of course also be deported in the near future.”
First parliamentary election
The first parliamentary election since the fall of Bashar al-Assad took place in Syria at the beginning of October 2025. The Federal Government has recognised the election to the Syrian National Assembly as an important first step towards greater political participation in the country: “It is worthy of acknowledgement that, only a few months after the end of the civil war, a political process has begun that focuses on participation and institutional change”, the Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development emphasised in their joint declaration. It is important, they said, that people throughout Syria can take part in the election. “That is why the selection process for the National Assembly must be carried out in places where it has not yet taken place – in the governorates of Hasaka, Raqqa and Suweida.”
The Federal Government supports the transition process
Germany stands ready to continue to closely accompany the transition process in Syria and to support Syrians in realising their desire for a peaceful and self-determined future.
The Federal Government is committed to the reconstruction and recovery of the Syrian economy. Measures are planned for the reconstruction of Syria in the areas of health, infrastructure, education, water, economic development, strengthening the administration and the rule of law. At the same time, civil society is also being strengthened in order to promote participation in the political transition process. In so doing, the Federal Government is also enabling refugees to return to their homeland. This was formalised 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.