Eight European Union member states have come together to issue a joint declaration urging a re-evaluation of the situation in Syria to facilitate the voluntary return of Syrian refugees to their homeland. The countries involved in this initiative are Austria, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Malta, and Poland.
During a summit meeting in Nicosia, Cyprus, officials from these nations highlighted the need for more effective ways to handle Syrian refugees attempting to reach European Union countries. They acknowledged that while the situation in Syria has evolved, complete political stability has not yet been achieved.
Cyprus, in particular, has experienced a recent increase in Syrian refugees arriving on its shores, mainly from Lebanon on unsafe boats. In response to this influx, the EU announced a 1 billion euro aid package for Lebanon to enhance border controls and curb the flow of asylum seekers and migrants to Cyprus and Italy.
The joint declaration emphasized the importance of supporting Lebanon to prevent further migration to the EU and stressed that decisions regarding border crossings should be made by member state governments, not criminal networks involved in human trafficking.
The call for a re-evaluation of the Syrian situation follows a previous appeal by 15 EU member countries to strengthen partnerships with nations along migratory routes to assist local populations and deter attempts to reach EU territories.
While discussing the re-evaluation, a Cypriot official clarified that any changes in Syria's conditions would not automatically lead to the deportation of Syrian refugees. Instead, refugees from areas deemed safe would lose benefits and work rights, serving as a disincentive for others to seek refuge in Cyprus.
The participating countries affirmed their commitment to supporting Syrian refugees in accordance with international law but also expressed the need for practical and implementable solutions to address migration challenges.
In Lebanon, where anti-refugee sentiments have been on the rise, over 300 Syrian refugees recently returned to Syria in a coordinated convoy. Lebanese authorities have been advocating for international support to either resettle refugees in other countries or facilitate their safe return to Syria.
