Commission’s assessment and clarifying guidelines for Syrians living in the EU after the fall of the Assad regime
13.1.2025
Priority question for written answer P-000100/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Erik Marquardt (Verts/ALE), Hannah Neumann (Verts/ALE), Anna Strolenberg (Verts/ALE), Mélissa Camara (Verts/ALE), Jaume Asens Llodrà (Verts/ALE), Alice Kuhnke (Verts/ALE), Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE), Daniel Freund (Verts/ALE), Isabella Lövin (Verts/ALE)
The Assad regime has been toppled – a historic moment for Syrians and a cause for celebration.
Unfortunately, the fighting has not yet ceased and it is still unclear whether Syria can look forward to a peaceful and free future. In this situation, some Member States are already discussing deportations. Syrians may want to see the situation in Syria for themselves, visit family or even take part in the reconstruction of the country. However, they will only be able to do so if travelling to Syria in this uncertain future does not automatically result in the loss of protection status.
- 1.What are the relevant provisions and how should they be interpreted in relation to protection status and shorter or longer visits to the home country, and how will the migration and asylum pact affect these rules in the future?
- 2.How does the Commission assess the decision by some Member States to suspend the examination of asylum applications from Syria and the legality of this practice in EU primary and secondary law?
- 3.Will the Commission issue guidelines to clarify the situation and harmonise EU measures to allow Syrians with protection status to travel to Syria, spend some time there and return to the EU without losing their status or fearing a negative decision on the renewal of their status?
Submitted: 13.1.2025