Germany’s plan for peace in Syria

After more than a decade of civil war, Syria is at a pivotal turning point. The overthrow of the Assad regime has rekindled hope for peace and freedom among many Syrians. But the situation is fragile: millions of people have been displaced, the humanitarian situation remains dramatic, and the threat of renewed violence is ever-present. With a view to enabling a sound future for the country’s population, Germany is looking to actively contribute to the stabilisation of Syria – not least because of the fact that some one million Syrian refugees have sought refuge in Germany in recent years.

An eight-point plan for Syria

To this end, the Federal Foreign Office has presented an eight-point plan to offer Syria stability and a way out of the crisis. 

1. Peaceful transition of power

The top priority is a peaceful transition of power. Based on a comprehensive dialogue process involving all social, ethnic and religious groups, the aim is to restore the population’s trust in the political structures. In a video statement on X, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasised that stability is only possible if all groups are involved: “Syria is home to numerous ethnic and religious groups. There will only be stability and security if there is space for all these groups in the new Syria.”

2. Protecting Syria’s territorial integrity

At the same time, Germany emphasises that Syria must not become a pawn in the hands of foreign powers yet again. The territorial integrity of Syria can only be secured through close international coordination, especially with the involvement of the United Nations. Germany has taken a clear stand on Israeli activities on the Golan Heights, which Israel occupied in 1967 and annexed in 1981. The Federal Foreign Office criticised the Israeli government’s announcement to expand settlements on Syrian territory. “The establishment of civilian settlements is contrary to the law of occupation,” declared the ministry. The Federal Government called on Israel to refrain from this plan and reaffirmed its position that the Golan Heights belong to Syria under international law. 

3. Open dialogue with political actors

Germany is pursuing a pragmatic course in its relations with the dominant forces in Syria – in particular the militia Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham. Together with international partners, the Federal government is trying to promote stability without legitimising extremist ideologies. The aim is not to further exacerbate Syria’s fragile situation while at the same time keeping political dialogue open.

The European Union has sent German diplomat Michael Ohnmacht to establish initial contacts with the new rulers in Damascus. Ohnmacht was previously ambassador to Libya and has worked at the embassies in cities such as Beirut and Riyadh. As a representative of the EU it is his responsibility to convey Europe’s position while at the same time bearing in mind the needs of the Syrian population. His mission comes at a delicate transition phase. “We must not allow a vacuum to develop in Syria,” said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas. 

4. Promoting humanitarian aid and reconstruction

Another key concern is humanitarian aid. Many people in Syria are in a difficult situation – skyrocketing food prices and a lack of access to basic supplies exacerbate the suffering caused by war and displacement. For this reason, Germany is focusing on emergency aid in cooperation with organisations such as the World Food Programme and the UNHCR, while at the same time supporting long-term reconstruction. The Federal Government provided eight million euros in additional aid shortly after the fall of Assad in order to alleviate the acute emergency situation. 

5. Confronting the past and ensuring accountability under international law

At the same time it will be of crucial importance to confront the past. The civil war has left deep wounds, and Germany is focussing on justice and a critical appraisal of the past. The crimes of the Assad regime and other parties to the conflict are to be addressed. German courts have previously imposed prison sentences on Syrian war criminals. In an interview, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned Syrian criminals against fleeing to Germany: “If any of Assad’s agents of torture is thinking of fleeing to Germany, to them I will make one thing clear: we will use the full force of the law to hold all the regime’s henchmen to account for their despicable crimes.”

6. Destruction of chemical weapons

Securing and destroying the Assad regime’s remaining chemical weapons is also a priority. Germany supports the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and stands ready to provide logistical and technical assistance to protect the region. “We now have the chance to keep the world safe from Assad's chemical weapons once and for all,” said Foreign Minister Baerbock. “The remaining weapons must be taken into international custody as quickly as possible.”

7. Expanding Germany’s diplomatic presence in Syria

In addition, the Federal Government plans to re-establish its diplomatic presence in Syria as soon as circumstances permit in order to strengthen political dialogue in the country. Germany is currently conducting shuttle diplomacy from Lebanon. For the time being, Special Coordinator Tobias Lindner, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office, is organising German engagement and cooperation with international partners from Beirut. 

8. Enabling a safe return to Syria

One key goal remains to enable Syrian refugees to return safely – as well as providing opportunities for them to stay in Germany. Verdi union boss Frank Werneke also emphasised that many Syrians were needed in Germany: “Be it in nursing care, hospitals, postal and parcel delivery services, the mail-order sector and many other professions: Syrian refugees help keep this country running in all kinds of areas.”

Creating long-term prospects in Syria

“The Syrian people have experienced terrible suffering,” said Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz. “We will judge those in power in the future by whether they enable all Syrians to live in dignity and self-determination.” The Federal Government’s eight-point plan sets out a clear path towards achieving this goal: humanitarian aid, stability and long-term prospects for a country that finally deserves peace.