8 European Union member states have come together to propose a re-evaluation of the situation in Syria. They aim to pave the way for the voluntary return of Syrian refugees to their homeland. In a joint declaration, officials from Austria, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Malta, and Poland expressed their agreement on the need for a reassessment.
They believe this will lead to more effective methods of handling Syrian refugees who are attempting to reach European Union countries.
The decision comes after a summit meeting held in the Cypriot capital, Nicosia. These countries pointed out that while there hasn’t been complete political stability in Syria, the situation has significantly evolved. Cyprus, in particular, has witnessed an increase in Syrian refugees arriving on its shores, mostly from Lebanon, often in unsafe boats.
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To address this issue, the EU recently announced a 1 billion euro aid package for Lebanon. This aid is aimed at enhancing border controls to curb the flow of asylum seekers and migrants to Cyprus and Italy.
The eight countries emphasized the importance of further supporting Lebanon to prevent even larger refugee flows towards the EU.
The joint declaration underlined the principle that decisions regarding who has the right to cross a member state’s borders should be made by the respective government, not by criminal networks involved in migrant smuggling and human trafficking.
A Cypriot official clarified that a re-evaluation of conditions within Syria does not automatically mean deporting Syrian refugees back to their country. Instead, those from areas considered safe would lose allowances, benefits, and the right to work. This would serve as a disincentive for others to come to Cyprus.
While the nations fully acknowledge the need to support Syrian refugees in accordance with international law, they hope that their discussions will spark a broader debate within the EU on the process of granting international protection to migrants.
In Lebanon, where anti-refugee sentiment has been growing, over 300 Syrian refugees recently returned to Syria in a convoy. Lebanese officials have consistently called on the international community to either resettle the refugees in other countries or assist them in returning to Syria.
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