Green Party’s Hannah Neumann, a foreign policy spokesperson in the EU Parliament, has called for special exceptions in asylum laws for Syrians following the fall of the Assad regime. Many Syrians in Europe are willing to help with the rebuilding effort, but are hindered by asylum regulations, Neumann said in an interview with Funke Media Group’s Sunday editions.
“Now, we need flexible exceptions that enable Syrians to support democratic government formation and rebuilding in Syria without risking their asylum status in Germany or another EU state” said the Middle East expert.
Without such exceptions, those affected could face the risk of being unable to return to their families in Europe, she warned.
Neumann also cautioned against a competition among EU states to deport people to Syria, saying, “What we need in the EU is not a race to see which country can deport people to Syria first, but a unified stance on how we can best provide humanitarian aid and support Syrians in democratic government formation and rebuilding.”
She emphasized the need for a dialogue with all parties who want to be part of Syria’s future and are willing to work towards a democratic Syria, one that is safe for all, especially women and minorities.
The rectification of the injustices of the Assad regime and other actors is crucial for long-term reconciliation.