Germany has officially reopened its embassy in Damascus, Syria, marking a significant shift in diplomatic relations after more than a decade of closure. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced the decision on Wednesday, stating that the move aims to support stabilization and reconstruction efforts in the war-torn country.
In a statement, Baerbock emphasized that a small team of German diplomats would be stationed at the embassy to facilitate Germany’s role in Syria’s recovery. However, she did not specify when full diplomatic operations would resume.
“The reopening of our embassy is a step toward engaging with Syria’s reconstruction while maintaining our commitment to stability in the region,” Baerbock said.
Germany had closed its diplomatic mission in Damascus in 2012 as violence escalated during the Syrian civil war. Over the past 12 years, Berlin has remained a vocal critic of President Bashar al-Assad’s government, imposing sanctions and supporting opposition groups. Despite this, Germany has also provided humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees and displaced civilians affected by the prolonged conflict.
As part of the embassy’s reopening, Germany has appointed Stefan Schneck as chargé d’affaires. He will oversee diplomatic affairs until an ambassador is formally named at a later date.
Germany joins several other European and Arab nations that have recently moved to restore diplomatic ties with Syria, reflecting a broader trend of re-engagement with Damascus. The decision comes amid ongoing discussions about Syria’s reconstruction and regional stability, as well as efforts to address the country’s humanitarian crisis.
While the reopening of the embassy signals a new phase in Germany’s approach to Syria, officials have clarified that it does not indicate full normalization of relations with Assad’s government. Germany remains aligned with the European Union’s stance that any long-term engagement with Syria must be tied to political reforms and accountability for human rights violations.
The move is expected to have significant geopolitical implications, particularly regarding Germany’s role in shaping European policy toward Syria. Observers will be watching closely to see how this step influences broader diplomatic efforts in the region.
