Brussels: The European Council is set to convene in Brussels on Thursday, with the Middle East and Ukraine high on the agenda. Among the attendees will be the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides. The focus of the meeting will be on recent developments in the Middle East, with specific discussions surrounding Iran, Syria, and Lebanon, as well as ongoing concerns regarding the situation in Ukraine.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the draft conclusions of the meeting, which are yet to be finalized, include a detailed chapter on the Middle East. A significant portion is dedicated to Iran, with the European Union reiterating its commitment to peace, security, and stability in the region. The draft underscores the EU’s stance that Iran should never acquire a nuclear weapon and must comply with its nuclear safeguard obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomatic negotiations remain a priority.
In relation to Gaza, the European Council calls for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages, stressing the need for a permanent resolution to hostilities. The dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, marked by civilian casualties and starvation, are condemned. The draft conclusions urge Israel to lift the blockade on Gaza to facilitate the distribution of humanitarian aid and enable international organizations to operate independently.
The Council’s draft also mentions Syria, condemning a recent terrorist attack in Damascus and emphasizing the importance of respecting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. For Lebanon, the European Union expresses support for the nation’s new authorities in stabilizing its economic and security situation, highlighting the role of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
Regarding Ukraine, the European Council strongly condemns Russia’s ongoing attacks on civilians and infrastructure, calling for an immediate ceasefire. The Council reaffirms its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and emphasizes the need to address Ukraine’s military needs. Additionally, the adoption of the 17th package of sanctions against Russia is welcomed, with calls for a new sanctions package to be adopted swiftly.
The meeting will also address European Defence and Security, the EU’s global role, competitiveness, and migration. President Christodoulides will participate in a high-level migration meeting organized by Italy’s Prime Minister and attend a European People’s Party meeting.
Discussions on Cyprus will also feature, with Christodoulides engaging in bilateral talks with Luxembourg’s Prime Minister, Luc Frieden. The talks will cover Cyprus’ EU Presidency priorities, regional developments, and the ongoing Cyprus issue, which remains unresolved since the division of the island in 1974. Recent efforts by the UN and the appointment of a new personal envoy aim to reengage parties in negotiations.