Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa is set to hold high-level talks in Germany on Monday, with discussions expected to centre on post-war reconstruction, regional security and the future of Syrian refugees in Europe.
The visit marks Sharaa’s first official trip to Germany since assuming power following the removal of former president Bashar al-Assad in late 2024. During his stay in Berlin, he is scheduled to meet Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
German officials have indicated that the talks will cover a broad agenda, including the ongoing conflict dynamics in the Middle East, Syria’s internal political transition and international efforts to support the country’s recovery after more than a decade of war.
Sharaa, a former rebel leader, has sought to re-establish Syria’s diplomatic ties since taking office, engaging with a range of global powers. His outreach has coincided with the easing of several international sanctions, aimed at facilitating reconstruction and economic stabilisation in the war-ravaged country.
German authorities have emphasised the importance of economic rebuilding, with Sharaa also expected to participate in a forum bringing together political and business leaders to explore investment opportunities and recovery strategies. Berlin has additionally announced support for strengthening Syria’s disaster response capabilities, including training for emergency services.
Migration policy is likely to be a key point of discussion. Germany hosts a large Syrian population, many of whom arrived during the peak of the refugee crisis in 2015 and 2016. The current government has adopted a more restrictive stance on asylum, arguing that conditions in Syria have changed sufficiently to reassess protection claims.
Chancellor Merz has previously stated that the end of large-scale conflict in Syria weakens the legal basis for continued asylum for many Syrians, and his administration has resumed limited deportations of individuals convicted of crimes. Officials have also expressed expectations that some refugees may choose to return voluntarily, though human rights groups caution that security conditions inside Syria remain fragile.
Despite the formal end of the civil war, Syria continues to face significant internal challenges. Episodes of sectarian violence persist in some regions, and extremist groups, including remnants of the Islamic State, remain active. Meanwhile, Israeli military operations in and around Syrian territory have continued, particularly near the Golan Heights.
Sharaa’s visit has drawn criticism from several groups in Germany. Kurdish organisations have accused the Syrian leadership of involvement in past human rights abuses and have opposed the invitation extended by Berlin. Representatives of minority communities have also called for stronger guarantees that Syria’s diverse population will be politically represented in the country’s future governance.
A protest has been scheduled in Berlin to coincide with the visit, focusing on opposition to any agreements that could facilitate the return of refugees under current conditions.
The trip comes at a sensitive moment, as European governments weigh reconstruction support against ongoing concerns about security and human rights in Syria. For Germany, the visit reflects a balancing act between diplomatic engagement, domestic political pressures on migration and broader regional stability considerations.
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