Nearly a million Syrians in Germany alone have made new lives. But after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, some politicians across the continent have suggested that refugees could return home.

Najem al-Moussa was delighted when news of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's overthrow first beamed from the television in his tiny Athens apartment.

In cities including Berlin, London, Istanbul and Athens, opposition supporters take to the streets to celebrate: 'We're happy. The dictatorship is over. Assad has gone'

Those who fled the 13-year civil war pointed to the political uncertainty after a rebel offensive swept into Damascus over the weekend.

While governments urge caution, calls are rising across Europe for Syrians who fled the Assad regime to return.

Jens Spahn, a senior member of Germany’s opposition Christian Democrats ( cdu ), suggested handing €1,000 ($1,050) to any Syrian who wished to go home. Austria’s government even instructed officials to prepare deportation plans.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser called on Thursday for a joint European approach to the possible return of Syrian refugees. "I believe it would be very expedient to organize this together," Faeser said,