European Commissioner: Syria is still unsafe for return of refugees

European Commissioner Magnus Brunner affirmed that Syria remains unsafe for the mass return of refugees, noting that “the current focus is on voluntary returns, with the exception of criminals.”

31 January, 2026 16:43

NEWS DESK

The European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, confirmed that the situation in Syria has not improved sufficiently for European Union countries to begin returning large numbers of Syrian refugees.

In an interview with the German News Agency, Brunner stated that the EU has not yet reached a stage where large-scale deportations can be carried out, stressing that Syria “is not yet safe under European Union rules,” despite continued support aimed at improving conditions and pushing toward stability.

He explained that “the current focus, with the exception of criminals, is on encouraging the voluntary return of refugees to their war-ravaged country.”

Brunner also pointed out that “the European Union Agency for Asylum has reported a relative improvement in the situation inside Syria,” adding that “the EU’s border protection agency has already supported the voluntary return of thousands of Syrians during the past period.

ANHA