Germany officially reopened its embassy in Damascus on Thursday, March 20, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in its diplomatic relations with Syria following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. The embassy had been closed for 13 years due to the security concerns surrounding the civil unrest that erupted in 2012, but with a new regime in place, Germany is now poised to play an active role in the region.
During her visit to the Syrian capital, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasized the significance of this step. "The future of Syria must be decided by Syrians themselves and by their free decisions," Baerbock stated, underscoring Germany's cautious but engaged approach towards Syria's new leadership.
The embassy reopening takes place at a time when Germany is hosting a significant number of Syrian refugees who fled the civil war to Europe. Officials have made it clear that Germany seeks to strengthen diplomatic ties and support the humanitarian needs within Syria while respecting human rights. Baerbock also pointed out the necessity of reconciliation across Syria to transform hopes and expectations into reality.
As part of the embassy's activities, Baerbock shared that a small political team will initially operate out of Damascus, gradually expanding as local conditions improve. Stefan Schneck, the German special envoy to Syria, added, "We are pleased to work closely with all Syrians for a better Syria," indicating Germany's readiness to engage with all facets of Syrian society. However, due to persistent security concerns, visa and consular matters will still be managed from the German embassy in Beirut for the time being.
Before the embassy reopening, Baerbock had met with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the newly appointed interim president of Syria, reflecting a willingness to establish connections with the new regime and promote a peaceful, comprehensive political transition. She previously visited Damascus with her French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, where she expressed the necessity for all Syrian groups, including women and Kurds, to be included in the political process to gain European support.
Amidst ongoing violence and instability—recent clashes reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 1,500 individuals primarily from the Alawite community—Baerbock reiterated the necessity for the transitional government to ensure the safety of all Syrian citizens. It appears both a daunting and critical step for the regime to maintain order after more than a decade of civil war.
The German government has allocated €300 million in aid to support stabilizing efforts in Syria, a commitment made in advance of a donors' conference in Brussels. Baerbock asserted that more than half of this aid will be directed towards essential services like food, health care, and shelter for the most vulnerable groups, including Syrian refugees in neighboring countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Turkey.
Looking forward, Baerbock highlighted that the situation in Syria is still precarious, underscoring, "The task of the Syrian transitional government under the leadership of Ahmed al-Sharaa will be difficult." The German officials are hopeful that their presence within Syria will enable more proactive engagement with the local population, thus enhancing diplomatic communications, promoting stability, and addressing the pressing humanitarian needs effectively.
Despite the cautious optimism surrounding this diplomatic shift, the German government remains vigilant about the challenges ahead and has reinforced its commitment to monitoring conditions closely. The reopening of the embassy is not just a logistical move but represents a significant step in re-engaging with a nation in turmoil, advocating for a peaceful transition, and ensuring support reaches those who have languished under years of conflict.
