At their summit on 19 March, European leaders are expected to call for appeasement and maximum restraint in the Middle East, the protection of civilians and full respect for international law by all parties.
According to draft conclusions dated 17 March, the European Council will pledge that the EU will continue to work with its regional partners to contribute to de-escalation and regional stability. “It (the EU) stands ready to contribute to all diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and to bring about a lasting solution to end the hostilities, prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and put an end to its destabilising activities”, the text states.
On Wednesday, the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, called for the creation of a coalition of the willing on the diplomatic front, to help bring peace to the Middle East (see other news).
In the face of Iranian drone attacks, the European Council will reportedly stress the importance of concerted action to help partners in the region strengthen their anti-drone and air defence capabilities, welcoming Ukraine’s readiness to provide support and expertise in this area.
European leaders are also expected to condemn any action that threatens shipping or prevents ships from entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz. They could take advantage of the visit to the summit by the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, to discuss solutions for unblocking access to the Strait, particularly for the transport of fertilisers.
Returning to the situation in Lebanon, the European Council should underline its deep concern at the escalation of hostilities - which have already claimed almost 1,000 lives - and the serious consequences for civilians. Here too, the European Council is expected to call for appeasement, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructures, respect for international law, and refrain from any action likely to lead to further population displacements.
The EU will continue to support Lebanon, its authorities and its people, and will draw on its emergency reserves to come to the aid of the affected civilian population, leaders are expected to promise.
While all eyes are on the Middle East, several diplomats reiterated on Wednesday that the situation in Gaza and the West Bank cannot be forgotten. In its conclusions, the European Council states that it will examine the deteriorating situation, which is “of grave concern”.
In particular, it will reiterate its call for the full implementation by all parties of the ceasefire in Gaza and for immediate and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid to the enclave. On Wednesday, several diplomats regretted that Phase 2 of the Peace Plan had still not entered into force.
“Strongly” condemning Israel’s “unilateral” actions to extend its presence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, European leaders should urge the Israeli government to reverse these decisions.
Link to the latest draft conclusions: https://aeur.eu/f/l8a (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant with the editorial staff)