More than three months after the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Germany has officially reopened its embassy in Damascus. The embassy, which was closed in 2012 amid the Syrian civil war, was reopened by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her second visit to the country since Assad's fall in December 2024.
This reopening is particularly significant as it represents a step toward restoring relations between Berlin and a leadership in Syria that is facing dire humanitarian and security challenges. According to Baerbock, despite the small number of German diplomats resuming their activities in Damascus, consular work such as visa issuance will continue to be handled from Beirut, Lebanon.
More than 1 million Syrians now reside in Germany, many of whom fled during the extensive violence of the civil war. During her visit, Baerbock met with interim leaders of Syria, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability regarding violent extremism. After discussions with interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, she stated, “It is imperative that extremist groups are brought under control and those responsible for crimes are held accountable.” This statement comes in light of violent clashes reported just weeks prior, where ongoing sectarian violence resulted in more than 1,500 deaths, most of which were civilians from the Alawite religious minority, to which Assad belongs.
Baerbock's mission was, in part, to renew the prospect of a political 'new beginning' between Germany and Syria following years of enmity. “A political new beginning between Europe and Syria, between Germany and Syria is possible,” Baerbock remarked, stressing the need for a political structure that offers security, freedom, and opportunities for all Syrians irrespective of their gender or ethnicity.
On March 17, just days before her visit, Germany announced €300 million ($325 million) in reconstruction aid for Syria as part of a wider donor conference, which gained commitments totaling €5.8 billion to aid in the country's recovery. This financial support is likely to be a crucial lifeline as the transitional government navigates rebuilding efforts amidst its political challenges.
The backdrop to Baerbock’s visit was a recent spike in violence, described as the worst since the civil war's inception, prompting international concern regarding the safety and accountability of civilians in the region. “The horrific outbreaks of violence two weeks ago have caused a massive loss of trust,” Baerbock stated, condemning the “targeted killing of civilians” as a “terrible crime.” She urged the transitional government to take significant steps in regulating the factions within its ranks to stabilize the region.
Moreover, the interim government has recently struck a historic agreement with the Kurdish-led authority governing the northeastern part of the country. This cooperation is seen as a vital development, as Baerbock highlighted the importance of inclusivity for diverse groups to ensure their involvement in shaping a more unified Syria.
European Union (EU) foreign ministers have been actively discussing measures aimed at lifting sanctions on Syria to facilitate economic recovery. These discussions began in February and resulted in some sanctions being suspended to allow financial transactions that could support humanitarian assistance and reconstruction, thus easing the economic blockade that had persisted for years.
Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign policy chief, warned that these measures are contingent on stability within Syria, indicating that sanctions could be reinstated if security situations deteriorate. As Baerbock pointed out, “if everything does not go right, then we are also ready to put the sanctions back.”
The question remains how returns for many displaced peoples will unfold, particularly those who now reside in Germany. With over a million Syrians having built their lives in Germany, there is an ongoing discussion around their future in relation to developments within Syria.
Baerbock’s reopening of the embassy represents more than just a return to formal diplomatic relations; it is a potential path towards EU engagement that requires careful navigation of the complex socio-political landscape of Syria. The global community will be monitoring the situation closely as Syria attempts to forge a new identity after years of conflict.
The dynamics of power in Syria remain volatile, faced with the influences of foreign actors and the continued threat of violence against civilians. “The influence of foreign actors has brought nothing but chaos to Syria in the past,” Baerbock pointed out, reaffirming the necessity for restraint among all involved parties.
Overall, while the reopening of the German embassy is a positive gesture towards rebuilding ties, the journey toward lasting peace and stability in Syria will be fraught with challenges that will demand accountability, cooperation, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive society both locally and in the broader international context.
