EU position on the situation in the Middle East
At ensuing European Council meetings between 2023 and 2026, EU leaders have adopted conclusions on the situation in the Middle East. The content of the page reflects the latest conclusions from 15-16 October 2026.
Military escalation
The European Council expresses its grave concern about the current security situation and the continuing military escalation in the region.
The European Union will continue to underline the need to respect international law and will engage, in close coordination with regional partners, in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate and ensure peace and stability in the Middle East.
The European Council calls on all actors to cease destabilising activities and reiterates the vital need to ensure freedom of navigation and maritime security in accordance with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The current situation risks leading to lasting disruptions to global supply chains, especially with regard to energy, fertilisers and food, which would be highly detrimental to economies and vulnerable populations around the world.
Iran
Attacks against countries in the region
The European Council reiterates its strong condemnation of Iran's attacks against countries in the region and its solidarity with countries affected.
It calls on Iran and its proxies to refrain from such attacks and any destabilising activities, and to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the region.
Maritime security
The European Council also strongly condemns any acts that threaten navigation or prevent commercial vessels from entering and exiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Any arrangement related to the Strait of Hormuz must be in line with international law and UNCLOS, and not limit freedom of navigation or alter its governance in any way.
Nuclear proliferation activities
The European Council reiterates that Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon.
It urges Iran to comply with its legally binding nuclear safeguard obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and to resume full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Human rights abuses
The European Council strongly condemns the ongoing violence and brutal repression by the Iranian regime against its own people, including large-scale executions.
It calls for the respect of the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Iranian people, including the right to choose their own future.
Yemen
Houthis' continued military escalation
The European Council strongly condemns the Houthis' continued military escalation in Yemen and their strikes against Saudi Arabia, in particular those affecting civilians, and civilian infrastructure, and expresses its solidarity with the legitimate government of Yemen and with Saudi Arabia.
It underlines the need to avoid aggravating the already dire humanitarian situation, and calls for increased international assistance in this regard.
The European Council calls on the Houthis to immediately cease all military action and all attacks against civilian shipping, which threaten maritime security in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait.
EU maritime operation
The European Council recalls the role of the EU maritime defensive operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, highlights its potential to contribute to stabilising the region, also by liaising with existing initiatives, and calls for its reinforcement, in line with its mandate.
In this respect, it underlines the importance of complementarity between international initiatives to ensure freedom of navigation.
Gaza and the West Bank
A comprehensive, just and lasting peace
Recalling its previous conclusions, the European Council reaffirms the European Union's commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution in accordance with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side-by-side in peace within secure and recognised borders.
It strongly condemns actions, policies and rhetoric that undermine the viability of the two-state solution. The European Union will continue to support the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.
Humanitarian situation
The European Council reiterates its grave concern over the deteriorating situation in Gaza and the West Bank, including the persistent and devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which risks worsening as winter approaches.
It urges Israel to allow immediate, unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale into and throughout Gaza, including via the Cyprus Maritime Corridor to supplement land routes, to allow access for international media, as well as to reopen Gaza border crossings and the medical corridor between Gaza and the West Bank.
Israel must enable the UN and its agencies, and humanitarian organisations, to work independently and impartially to save lives and reduce suffering, and comply with all its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law. The protection of civilians must be ensured at all times.
Implementation of the ceasefire
The European Council expresses its concern about the lack of progress in the implementation of the ceasefire and all other provisions of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2803.
It calls on all actors to fully implement them without delay, in line with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and international political and legal principles, in particular the permanent decommissioning of weapons from Hamas and other non-state armed groups, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the civilian transition in Gaza. Hamas should not have any role in the future governance of Gaza.
Reconstruction of Gaza
The European Union will continue to contribute to the implementation of UNSCR 2803, as well as to the reconstruction and redevelopment of Gaza, in line with international law.
In this context, the European Council welcomes the renewal of the mandates of the European Union Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah Crossing Point (EU BAM Rafah) and the European Union Police Mission for the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS).
The European Council welcomes the launch of the Team Gaza Initiative and calls for close coordination with the Palestinian Authority, the United Nations and international partners on the early recovery and reconstruction of Gaza.
Postponement of the Palestinian elections
The European Council regrets the announced postponement of the Palestinian elections. It calls on the Palestinian Authority to organise legislative and presidential elections as soon as possible in early 2027. The European Union will continue to support the Palestinian Authority, including in its reform agenda.
The European Council calls again on Israel to urgently release all withheld clearance revenues and extend the correspondent banking services between Israeli and Palestinian banks, both being necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the Palestinian Authority and the delivery of essential services to the population.
The West Bank and settler violence
The European Council reiterates its condemnation of Israel's unilateral actions aiming to expand its presence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion of 19 July 2024 declared to be unlawful.
It also strongly condemns the continued and growing settler violence against Palestinian civilians, including Christian communities and other minorities, calls for accountability, and reiterates its call for the preservation of and respect for the Status Quo of Jerusalem's Holy Sites.
The European Council urges Israel to immediately reverse the expansion of settlements, which are illegal under international law, including by withdrawing its tender for construction in the E1 area.
It reiterates that businesses should not bid for construction contracts for E1 or other settlement developments and underlines the legal, economic and reputational consequences for businesses and financial institutions participating in settlement construction, including the risk of serious breaches of international law.
The European Council underlines the importance of continued diplomatic presence in the occupied Palestinian territories, including that of EU member states, in order to engage with the Palestinian Authority and thereby contribute to the two-state solution.
Lebanon
Implementation of the ceasefire
The European Council welcomes the framework agreement signed by Lebanon and Israel in June 2026. It urges all actors to fully abide by the terms of the agreement and to engage constructively in further talks with a view to a permanent end to hostilities, in full respect of international law, including international humanitarian law.
The European Council calls on all parties to fully implement UNSCR 1701, on which any lasting solution must be based. It reiterates its call for the full disarmament of Hezbollah.
It calls on Israel to respect Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity and to withdraw its forces from Lebanon, in line with UNSCR 1701. The European Council recalls the crucial importance of a continued international presence in Lebanon in a post-UNIFIL context.
Support for the Lebanese people
The European Union will continue to support the Lebanese people, including over the long term, in close coordination with international partners.
The European Council reiterates the EU's full support for the Lebanese government's efforts to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces in view of gaining control of the whole Lebanese territory and to establish the state's monopoly on holding weapons.
The European Council welcomes the establishment of the European Union Support Mission in Lebanon.
Syria
The European Council recalls its support for a peaceful, inclusive and Syrian-led transition, and in this regard takes note of recent developments including the inaugural session of the People's Assembly.
The European Union is committed to deepening its partnership with Syria to the benefit of the Syrian people. The European Council notes that comprehensive transitional justice is essential on the path to reconciliation.
It urges all actors, both domestic and external, to fully respect Syria's unity, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS.
Full text of the European Council conclusions of 15-16 October 2026:
Previous European Council conclusions
- European Council conclusions on the situation in the Middle East, 18-19 June 2026
- European Council conclusions on the situation in the Middle East, 19 March 2026
- European Council conclusions on the situation in the Middle East, 18 December 2025
- European Council conclusions on the situation in the Middle East, 23 October 2025
- European Council conclusions on the situation in the Middle East, 26 June 2025
- European Council conclusions on the situation in the Middle East, 20 March 2025
- European Council conclusions on the situation in the Middle East, 19 December 2024
- European Council conclusions on the situation in the Middle East, 17 October 2024
- European Council conclusions on the situation in the Middle East, 27 June 2024
- European Council conclusions on the situation in the Middle East, 21-22 March 2024
- European Council conclusions on the situation in the Middle East, 26-27 October 2023
- Statement of the members of the European Council on the situation in the Middle East, 15 October 2023
Statements of the President of the European Council
- Leaders' statement on the two-week ceasefire concluded between the United States and Iran (press release, 8 April 2026)
- Joint statement by President Costa and President von der Leyen after the video conference with leaders from Middle East countries on the war in Iran (press release, 9 March 2026)
- Joint statement by President Costa and President von der Leyen on developments in Iran (press release, 28 February 2026)
- Statement by President António Costa following his participation in the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit (press release, 13 October 2025)
- Speech by President António Costa at the High-Level Conference on the Two-State Solution (press release, 23 September 2025)
Statements of the High Representative on behalf of the EU
- Palestine*: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the postponement of elections (press release, 14 October 2026)
- Lebanon: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the abolition of the death penalty (press release, 11 August 2026)
- Gaza: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union (press release, 6 August 2026)
- Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on Iran (press release, 28 July 2026)
- Syria: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the inaugural session of the People’s Assembly (press release, 16 July 2026)
- Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon (press release, 2 July 2026)
- Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on Israel and Lebanon (press release, 6 June 2026)
- Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the ceasefire agreed by the United States and Iran (press release, 9 April 2026)
- Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on developments in the Middle East (press release, 1 March 2026)
- Israel/Palestine: statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza Conflict (press release, 10 October 2025)
- Israel/Palestine: statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on Gaza (press release, 2 October 2025)
- Israel/Palestine: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the closure of the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge crossing (press release, 27 September 2025)
- Palestine: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union (press release, 30 August 2025)
- Syria: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the situation (press release, 24 July 2025)
- Israel/Iran: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union (press release, 14 June 2025)
- Syria: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the recent wave of violence (press release, 11 March 2025)
- Israel/Palestine: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU welcoming the ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza (press release, 18 January 2025)
- Syria: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the fall of the Assad regime (9 December 2024)
- Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the UNRWA legislation (press release, 31 October 2024)
- Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on recent attacks against UNIFIL (press release, 13 October 2024)
- Iran: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the Iranian attack against Israel (press release, 1 October 2024)
- Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the military escalation between Israel and Hezbollah (press release, 26 September 2024)
- Israel/Palestine: statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU (press release, 9 August 2024)
- Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on humanitarian pauses in Gaza (press release, 12 November 2023)
See also
EU-Sanktionen gegen Iran
Syrien
Humanitäre Hilfe der EU für die palästinensische Bevölkerung
Letzte Überprüfung: 16. Oktober 2026
