Germany on Wednesday expressed firm support for the Syrian government's objective of establishing full authority over security forces across the entire country, including the northeastern regions currently under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul made the position clear during a parliamentary debate in Berlin, where he addressed lawmakers on the latest developments in Syria. He stated that Germany is committed to promoting a secure, stable, and unified Syria, and that Berlin seeks to strengthen practical cooperation with the Damascus government as part of that effort.
“The central government rightly insists that it — and not others — exercise the monopoly of force in all parts of Syria. And a fundamental agreement on this must also be possible in northeastern Syria,” Wadephul told the Bundestag.
The minister's remarks come amid ongoing tensions in Syria's northeast, where the SDF — dominated by the Kurdish-led YPG — maintains de facto control over large swathes of territory, including key oil fields and agricultural areas. The SDF has operated autonomously since 2012, initially as a partner in the US-led coalition against ISIS, but relations with the central government in Damascus have remained strained despite several ceasefire agreements.
Wadephul directly addressed criticism from opposition lawmakers, particularly from the conservative CDU/CSU bloc and the far-right AfD, who accused the German government of being too lenient toward Damascus and failing to pressure the Syrian authorities to halt military operations against the SDF/YPG. Opposition figures have argued that continued offensives by Syrian government forces violate earlier truce understandings and risk renewed instability.
The foreign minister rejected those accusations, stressing that Germany's stance is aligned with its key international partners. “It's clear that this must happen peacefully, that it's a process involving the gradual integration of the SDF forces into the Syrian army. We are working towards this, and ultimately, it will have to happen,” he said.
He pointed out that the United States, United Kingdom, and France — all major actors in Syrian policy — share the view that a long-term solution requires the reintegration of the northeast into a unitary, sovereign Syrian state. “Our international partners also support Syria's political process and the integration of northeastern Syria into a unified state,” Wadephul added.
The minister highlighted recent diplomatic progress, noting that Germany and its Western allies have endorsed a 15-day extension of the ceasefire between Syrian government forces and the SDF. He said Berlin and its partners are closely monitoring implementation of the agreements reached by the parties and expect all sides to honour the truce.
Wadephul's comments reflect Germany's broader policy shift toward pragmatic engagement with Damascus following the fall of the Assad regime in late 2024 and the subsequent transitional arrangements under the current Syrian leadership. Berlin has consistently maintained that a stable Syria is essential to reducing refugee flows, countering terrorism, and enabling reconstruction, while insisting that any cooperation must respect human rights and international law.
The northeast of Syria remains one of the most complex areas in the country's post-conflict landscape. The SDF controls approximately one-third of Syrian territory, including most of the country's oil and gas resources. The Kurdish-led administration has established local governance structures, but Damascus has long insisted on restoring full central authority, including control over security and border crossings.
The current ceasefire — brokered with international mediation — is seen as a fragile step toward de-escalation. Analysts warn that failure to implement gradual integration of SDF forces into the national army could lead to renewed clashes, especially as Syrian government troops have continued to consolidate positions around key cities like Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor.
Germany's support for the central government's monopoly on force aligns with the position of several other European capitals, which view a fragmented Syria as a continuing source of instability and terrorism risks. At the same time, Berlin has urged all parties to avoid military escalation and pursue dialogue.
Wadephul's parliamentary address also comes as the European Union prepares to review its Syria policy in the coming months. EU foreign ministers have repeatedly called for an inclusive political process under UN auspices, while stressing that reconstruction assistance and sanctions relief should be conditional on progress toward political transition, accountability for war crimes, and respect for minority rights.
In the Bundestag debate, opposition lawmakers pressed the government on humanitarian access, the fate of detained persons, and the protection of Kurdish civilians. Wadephul responded that Germany continues to advocate for these issues in bilateral contacts and multilateral forums.
The Foreign Ministry has not announced any immediate changes to Germany's existing sanctions regime or humanitarian aid framework, but Wadephul's remarks signal a continued willingness to engage constructively with Damascus on security and stability matters.
The situation in northeastern Syria remains fluid, with local SDF administration officials expressing cautious openness to integration talks while insisting on guarantees for Kurdish cultural and political rights. International mediators, including the United States and Russia, continue to facilitate dialogue between the parties.
Germany's position underscores a European consensus that long-term peace in Syria requires a unified state with central control over security, while achieving that goal through peaceful, negotiated means.
