European countries are moving toward a major new strategy aimed at encouraging millions of Syrian refugees to return home by linking reconstruction aid to voluntary repatriation efforts.
The Netherlands announced it plans to increase support for rebuilding Syria while promoting the return of Syrians currently living across Europe. Dutch Migration and Asylum Minister Bart van den Brink said a broader European initiative for Syrian returns is expected to launch soon.
The announcement came during meetings held in New York alongside the International Migration Review Forum, attended by representatives from Syria, the US, Turkey, Jordan, and several European countries.
According to the Dutch minister, European governments and the Syrian government now share a common interest: encouraging Syrians to return and participate in rebuilding their war-torn country.