Lars Løkke Rasmussen reopens Danish embassy in Syria

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen has formally reopened Denmark’s embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus, with the country’s first ambassador to Syria since 2012.

According to the Foreign Ministry, the reopening reflects Denmark’s ambition to play an active role in the reconstruction of Syria.

“We are among the first EU countries to reopen our embassy in Syria with a posted ambassador following the fall of the Assad regime. We are doing this to be better able to influence developments in Syria in a positive direction and contribute to the reconstruction of the country,” Rasmussen said.

The foreign minister said the reopening would also strengthen diplomatic relations with the transitional government and cooperation on the voluntary return and forced removal of Syrians who do not have legal residence in Denmark.

The Danish embassy in Syria has been closed to the public since 2012. The decision to reopen it was announced by the then government on 30 January 2026 as part of the launch of a deportation reform.

Denmark plans significant support for Syria

Denmark expects to commit around DKK 489 million to Syria in 2026 through humanitarian assistance, support for neighbouring regions, peace and stabilisation initiatives and migration-related measures.

A new multi-year development programme for Syria from 2027 is also under consideration, with the aim of supporting the country’s reconstruction.

“With additional funding, we plan to strengthen efforts to rebuild Syria so that the many refugees and internally displaced people have something to return to,” Rasmussen said.

He added that Denmark supports an inclusive political transition and the reconstruction of Syria, while also seeking cooperation on migration and the forced return of Syrians who do not have the right to remain in countries such as Denmark.

In 2026, the Danish Foreign Ministry is allocating DKK 101 million through the UN’s Syria Humanitarian Fund, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The funding includes DKK 60 million for the UN fund, DKK 26 million for the ICRC and DKK 15 million for UNFPA. The money will support measures including food assistance, water and sanitation projects and essential healthcare services for the Syrian population.

Danish assistance is channelled through a range of Danish and Syrian civil society partners, UN organisations, the International Red Cross and multi-donor platforms in cooperation with the EU, Germany and the UK.