EU leaders issued a statement on Thursday evening after wrapping up a summit in Brussels by stating that the European Council calls for de-escalation and maximum restraint, along with the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and full respect of international law by all parties.
EU leaders called for a moratorium on military strikes on energy and water facilities in the Middle East, amid growing concerns about the impact of the warfare centered on Iran vis-a-vis the global economy. The bloc also called for a reinforcement of the existing naval mission “Aspides” in the Red Sea and the counter-piracy operation “Atalanta” in the Horn of Africa “with more assets, in line with their respective mandates”.
Finally, EU leaders welcomed “the increased efforts announced by Member States, including through strengthened coordination with partners in the region, to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, once the conditions are met”.
The European Council conclusions by the EU’s 27 on Middle East:
The European Council also appointed Boris Vujčić as Vice-President of the European Central Bank for a non-renewable eight-year term. The new vice-president will replace Luis de Guindos as of 1 June 2026.
