Working together for a new Syria: Implementation of the German-Syrian Action Plan begins

Working together for a new Syria: Implementation of the German-Syrian Action Plan begins

Germany is expanding its bilateral relations with Syria through the German-Syrian Action Plan. As a first step, a German-Syrian air transport agreement was signed on 16 July.

The fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 provided an opportunity for Syrians to reconstruct their country and drive forward its economic development. In the midst of a volatile regional situation, Syria has managed to achieve greater stability within a short space of time.

Germany stands firmly by the side of the Syrian people in this process. A stable Syria can help stabilise the Middle East. As a traditional trade, energy and transport hub, Syria can also contribute towards strengthening Europe's economic resilience. What is more, Syria has an important role to play in the fight against the terror of the so-called Islamic State.

State Secretary Dr Géza Andreas von Geyr and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hasan al-Shaibani therefore chaired the first meeting of the joint committee for the implementation of the German-Syrian Action Plan in Damascus on 16 July 2026. Chancellor Merz and Syria's President al-Sharaa had agreed on the Action Plan during the Syrian President's first official visit to Berlin in March 2026. It outlines what Germany intends to do to accompany Syria on the road ahead and defines key areas of cooperation, for example in the spheres of security, migration, economic and financial recovery, as well as reconstruction.

Signing of the German-Syrian air transport agreement

One outcome of the meeting is the signing of a new German-Syrian air transport agreement. It creates the legal basis for direct flights between Germany and Syria, thus boosting direct trade and passenger traffic between the two countries in future. For Syrians living in Germany, the resumption of flights can reduce the organisational obstacles that have made journeys back home difficult until now. Business trips and bilateral air freight transport will also be much easier as a result.

Syria's reconstruction: Public and private investment needed

Syria's long-term reconstruction can only be achieved if all groups within society are included. One key prerequisite for this is the establishment of functioning, professional and non-partisan state institutions, as well as a transparent mechanism for addressing the crimes of the past. Germany is supporting this through numerous projects and initiatives.

What is more, considerable financial resources are required. The World Bank estimates that around 200 billion euro will be needed for reconstruction. The focus is on restoring water supply systems, rehabilitating schools and hospitals, building a functional administration and reintegrating Syria into the international banking system after years of isolation under the Assad regime.

At the same time, conditions are to be created to encourage private investment - particularly from Germany.

Germany the most important bilateral donor

The German Government has significantly expanded its support for Syria since the fall of the Assad regime, making Germany the most important bilateral donor for stabilisation and reconstruction efforts in the country today. The Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development are working together closely to maximise the impact of German contributions. The German Government's engagement covers a wide range of areas, from rehabilitating infrastructure and water supply systems to strengthening rule-of-law structures, modernising administration, as well as rebuilding higher education systems and preserving cultural heritage.

One project funded by the Federal Foreign Office is a collaboration between the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) and Syria's Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management (MEDM). This partnership with THW will enable Syrian authorities to respond more effectively and efficiently to crises in the future.

Additionally, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), trade infrastructure is being restored, thus reactivating destroyed value chains in key economic sectors. Efforts are also underway to anchor a dual vocational training system to improve career prospects for young Syrians. This strengthens the labour market and the economy while providing incentives for Syrians abroad to make an important contribution towards their country's reconstruction.

Keywords

• Syrian Arab Republic
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