On Wednesday 17 April, the European Council will discuss the situation in the Middle East, a few days after Iran’s drone and missile attacks on Israel (see EUROPE 13391/1). The European foreign affairs ministers discussed the situation by videoconference on Tuesday 16 April (see EUROPE 13392/5).
“The focus is on de-escalation”, emphasised a source at the Elysée Palace, explaining that the heads of state or government would “note that Iran has crossed a new threshold in destabilising the region, and above all, call for the situation to be stabilised and for any regional escalation and any further escalation to be avoided”.
According to draft conclusions dated 15 April, seen by Agence Europe, the European Council is due to strongly - and “unequivocally” - condemn the Iranian attack on Israel and reaffirm its full solidarity with the Israeli people and its commitment to Israel’s security. It should call on Iran and its proxies to “completely” cease their attacks and urge all parties to show the utmost restraint and refrain from any action likely to increase tensions in the region.
“We must [...] unite in urging all parties to show the utmost restraint, to respect international law and to avoid any action likely to increase tensions”, stressed the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, in his letter of invitation.
Gaza. More broadly, the European Council is set to reaffirm its commitment to work with its partners to end the crisis in Gaza and implement UN Security Council Resolution 2728, “including through reaching an immediate ceasefire and release of hostages, as well as increasing humanitarian aid at scale to Palestinians in need”.
Lebanon. As announced by Mr Michel, the leaders are expected to discuss the situation in Lebanon. “The EU stands ready to work with all partners to avoid further escalation of tensions in the region, notably in Lebanon”, the draft conclusions state. The EU’s strong support for Lebanon and the Lebanese people should be reaffirmed, as should recognition of the “difficult circumstances Lebanon is experiencing domestically and as a result of regional tensions”. European leaders are due to call on all parties to commit to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
The Heads of State or Government should confirm the EU’s determination to support the most vulnerable people in Lebanon, in particular refugees and host communities in need, and to provide its support in the fight against human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants. Cyprus is facing an influx of refugees, most of whom are Syrians from Lebanon.
In the run-up to the eighth Brussels Conference on Syria - the ministerial part of which will be held on 27 May - EU leaders are planning to invite the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and the European Commission to review and strengthen the effectiveness of EU aid to Syrian refugees and displaced persons in Syria and the region. They should call on all donors to maintain or increase their aid to Syrian refugees and displaced persons in the region. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant with the editorial staff)