EU Seeks Lasting Peace and Stability in Middle East, Addresses Iran’s Nuclear Program

Brussels, [Date] – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, alongside Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa, held significant discussions with regional leaders, including President Aoun and President al-Sharaa, emphasizing the European Union’s commitment to peace and security in the Middle East. The talks focused on critical regional developments and future cooperation.

During the meetings, President von der Leyen welcomed the extended ceasefire between the United States and Iran, as well as the ongoing truce between Lebanon and Israel. She underscored the shared objective of negotiating a permanent end to conflicts, which includes ensuring unrestricted and permanent freedom of navigation in the vital Strait of Hormuz.

A key point of discussion was Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Von der Leyen reiterated the EU’s firm stance that any lasting peace agreement must address these issues, highlighting the “real danger that a nuclear Iran would pose to the world,” a concern amplified by recent events.

EU Reaffirms Solidarity, Calls for Permanent Peace in Lebanon

President von der Leyen conveyed a dual message to regional partners. Firstly, she reaffirmed the EU’s unwavering solidarity, stressing that regional security is “indivisible.” “You cannot have stability in the Middle East or the Gulf while Lebanon is in flames,” she stated, urging respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. She emphasized that a temporary pause in hostilities is insufficient, advocating for a “permanent path to peace.”

The EU’s commitment to the Lebanese people was highlighted through substantial humanitarian aid, including six EU Humanitarian Air Bridge flights that delivered over 250 tonnes of assistance, part of a broader €100 million humanitarian package.

Mutual Solidarity and Regional Leadership Praised

Acknowledging the reciprocal nature of regional partnerships, von der Leyen commended the leadership of Egypt and Jordan for their relentless diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts. She also extended gratitude to the Gulf States for their crucial assistance in repatriating EU citizens, assuring that “Europe will remember this.”

Strengthening Strategic Partnerships for a Shared Future

The second core message focused on strengthening bonds during crises, viewing partners not merely as crisis managers but as collaborators for the future. This vision is being realized through enhanced strategic and comprehensive partnerships with key regional players.

• Jordan and Egypt: Recent inaugural summits with Jordan and Egypt have reinforced these partnerships, backed by substantial investment packages. The first EU–Jordan Investment Conference is anticipated later this year.
• Syria: Following a visit to Damascus in January, a new Political Partnership with Syria was announced. The EU has proposed resuming the EU-Syria Cooperation Agreement, with the first High-Level Political Dialogue between Syria and the EU scheduled in two weeks, potentially leading to a future Association Agreement. The EU remains committed to supporting Syria’s economic revival and societal reconciliation.

Expanding EU-GCC Geopolitical Partnership, Boosting Connectivity

Discussions also extended to Gulf countries, with an agreement reached with GCC Secretary-General Budaiwi to evolve the partnership into a broader geopolitical alliance. The upcoming EU-GCC Summit will serve as a platform for this expansion. Furthermore, the EU expressed readiness to collaborate with Gulf nations on diversifying export infrastructure, reducing reliance on the Strait of Hormuz bottleneck. Connectivity projects, such as the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), are being prioritized for advancement.

Proactive Security Measures and Defense Cooperation Proposed

Concluding her remarks, von der Leyen highlighted the “hard truth” revealed by recent events: global security is intrinsically linked. “A threat to a merchant vessel in the Strait of Hormuz is a threat to a factory, for example, in Belgium,” she warned, advocating for a shift from reactive crisis management to proactive security strategies.

She proposed two key initiatives:

• Expanded Maritime Coordination: Evolving missions like Operation ASPIDES from simple protection to sophisticated joint maritime coordination.
• Defense Production Cooperation: Establishing structural cooperation to scale up defense production, addressing the shared threat of drone and missile proliferation.

The ultimate goal, she articulated, is to build a region where peace signifies not just the absence of war, but the presence of a secure and prosperous future for all citizens.

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