Czech politicians are concerned that the changing situation in Syria, following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, could lead to civil war and a massive wave of refugees to Europe.
With winter approaching and Syria economically drained, there are fears that the refugee flow could surpass previous waves.
Pavel Fischer, head of the Senate’s Foreign Affairs Committee, warned that without international solidarity, the refugee crisis could become overwhelming and that many groups posing serious security risks, including terrorist factions, may be among them. He also mentioned that the Czech Republic, one of the few Western nations maintaining its embassy in Syria, could play a key role in seeking a political solution.
Veronika Vrecionová, a European Parliament leader from the ODS, echoed these concerns, highlighting that the situation in Syria could lead to another significant refugee crisis and the rise of radical Islamist groups, posing a threat to the West, similar to the ISIS era.
Czech House of Deputies Speaker Markéta Pekarová Adamová expressed hope for the end of Assad’s brutal rule but shared fears of a civil war like in Libya, where the 2011 fall of dictator Muammar Gaddafi led to years of conflict.
Richard Brabec, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, also warned of the dangers, citing the involvement of groups linked to al-Qaeda among Syrian rebels. He urged caution in evaluating the shifting power dynamics in Syria.
The situation’s outcome will likely influence migration pressures on Europe and neighboring regions, including Israel.
