Germany is eyeing the repatriation of 80% of Syrians living in the country over the next three years, a target that hinges on whether President Ahmed al-Sharaa can deliver stability in a still-fragile Syria while managing the country's pressing domestic challenges.

In his first visit to Germany since taking power, Sharaa met with German leaders in Berlin on Monday as the government explores reconstruction support and economic cooperation while seeking conditions that would allow more Syrians to return to Syria. Legal protections and conditions on the ground, however, could complicate Berlin's repatriation push.

Speaking alongside Sharaa, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz linked economic assistance to repatriation, saying the two governments had developed "an ambitious joint work program for reconstruction and return, which is now being implemented." Notably, Sharaa visited Germany's Siemens Energy company on Monday.