Syria: the EU now fears the return of radicalized Islamic fighters

Brussels – The new course in Syria brings with it security risks for the EU, starting with those related to the possible return of radicalized Islamic fighters. It is a problem that the European Parliament certainly feels, even if it does not openly speak of a terrorist threat. Nonetheless, it points out that the seizing of power by Hayʼat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist militia that toppled the Assad regime, has emptied prisons, leaving ISIS and al-Qaeda militiamen at large. It notes that these are Syrian nationals and also people who most likely have EU nationality.

The threat exists as the EU’s High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, acknowledges responding to the parliamentary question. “The Commission, in collaboration with Member States, continues to follow the fate of EU citizens who traveled to conflict zones like Syria to join terrorist organizations and have not returned or whose deaths remain unconfirmed.” It is a sign that the situation is of concern and, therefore, requires monitoring and control. On the one hand, the EU does not want a new wave of refugees; on the other, it does not want a new terrorist threat alert level.

However, the High Representative again recalls that, in principle, it is impossible to prevent EU citizens from returning unless their nationality is revoked. Therefore, it is impossible to rule out the return of radicalized individuals to Europe cannot. “For those who return and constitute a security threat, prosecution is a primary tool,” Kallas stresses, also reminding that in security matters, the primary responsibility lies with the member states. Therefore, it is up to governments to keep a close eye on and verify how many cross the border.

Member states can use the cooperation of Frontex (the Coast Guard and Border Guard Agency) for operational support for migration management and Europol (the European police) to share intelligence information. “Together, these measures aim to prevent re-entry of high-risk individuals and ensure accountability for their actions,” Kallas concluded.

The European Commission, however, in the name of stability in the country and the region, has decided to maintain relations with the new government led by HTS, which the UN recognizes as a terrorist Islamic militia, with the EU aligned with the decisions of the United Nations.

English version by the Translation Service of Withub