Hundreds of thousands of Syrians have recently returned to Syria from Lebanon amid intensified Israeli airstrikes, stirring debate within Europe as anti-immigration leaders push for renewed EU engagement with Damascus, The National reported.

The political pressure is mounting as these leaders encourage the EU to reconsider its 13-year diplomatic freeze with Syria, hoping that the return of Syrians from Lebanon might prompt refugees in Europe to do the same.

The EU is reportedly reviewing a plan to support basic infrastructure in Syrian government-controlled areas to accommodate returning Syrians. This initiative would be in coordination with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), according to an informal EU document viewed by The National.

“Given that these individuals will probably not be able to return to Lebanon, and in view of the significant change in the situation, it is necessary to see how the EU can enhance its humanitarian assistance and support for early recovery in Syria,” the document reads, having been prepared by the European Commission and recently reviewed by EU ambassadors in Brussels.

While the EU does not officially engage with Syria, the document emphasizes “the need for the EU to fully engage—alongside UN agencies—given the growing humanitarian needs triggered by the significant movement of Syrians and Lebanese into Syria.”

This approach signals a potential shift, reflecting requests from eight EU nations earlier this year.

“The issue of Syrian refugee returns—voluntary, safe, and dignified—is urgent due to recent escalations in Lebanon and the Middle East, which have already led to an increase in Syrian returnees,” an EU diplomat explained.

However, human rights groups caution that bolstering infrastructure in Syria could pave the way for forced deportations to so-called “safe zones.” Several EU countries, including the Czech Republic, Cyprus, and Denmark, support this notion, though formal deportations remain unexecuted.

“There are serious concerns that EU nations, along with other host countries, might implement a returns infrastructure that could ultimately allow forced deportations,” Adam Coogle, Middle East deputy director at Human Rights Watch, told The National.

Statements from European officials have highlighted the urgency of the situation. Austria’s Chancellor Karl Nehammer remarked on October 17 that areas within Syria are now considered secure, citing Lebanese and Syrian movements as evidence of stability.

"This should be enough of a sign that deportations are feasible," Nehammer said, ahead of a key meeting in Brussels. 

Not all EU members share this stance. Belgium, Ireland, and France reportedly continue to hold firm on their refusal to normalize relations, finance reconstruction, or lift sanctions on Syria.

“The Syrian regime must create conditions for a safe and dignified voluntary return,” a French diplomatic source said, noting that recent developments in Lebanon have not altered France’s position.

Meanwhile, pressure on the EU Commission seems to be yielding results. On Monday, an EU spokeswoman confirmed that the Commission is working on appointing a special envoy to Syria—a move long advocated by Austria, Cyprus, and several other member states. In July, these countries pressed the EU to shift its Syria policy, pointing to the nation’s recent readmission to the Arab League.

Lebanon, a neighboring host country to Syria, until recently housed over a million Syrian refugees. Many have faced escalating hostility from locals as Lebanon struggles with an economic crisis. Despite these challenges, only a fraction had returned to Syria until the Israeli strikes intensified. In 2023, the UN reported that nearly 40,000 of the six million Syrians residing across Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, and Turkey returned to Syria—about one-third fewer than the previous year.

The UNHCR has been active on the ground, providing legal support at the five border crossings between Lebanon and Syria.

“UNHCR continues to engage with the government of Syria to address barriers to voluntary return, including safety and security concerns,” said Rula Amin, a UNHCR spokeswoman for the region. She emphasized the need for assurances from the Syrian government to secure returnees' safety and called for international support to meet returnees’ needs, from healthcare and education to housing and employment. 

Conditions for safe and voluntary returns require robust security guarantees from Damascus and material assistance from the international community, according to the UNHCR.