European Council conclusions on the Middle East, 26 June 2025
European Council / Council of the European Union
European Council
CONCLUSIONS
26 June 2025 17:54
II. MIDDLE EAST
4. Recalling its previous conclusions, the European Council addressed the situation and latest developments in the Middle East, in particular the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the latest developments as regards Iran.
5. The European Council calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages, leading to a permanent end to hostilities. It deplores the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, the unacceptable number of civilian casualties and the levels of starvation. The European Council calls on Israel to fully lift its blockade on Gaza, to allow immediate, unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale into and throughout Gaza and to enable the UN and its agencies, and humanitarian organisations, to work independently and impartially to save lives and reduce suffering. Israel must fully comply with its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law. The European Council recalls the imperative of ensuring the protection of all civilians, including humanitarian workers, at all times, as well as of civilian infrastructure, including medical facilities, schools and UN premises. It deplores the refusal of Hamas to hand over the remaining hostages. The European Council takes note of the report on Israel's compliance with Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and invites the Council to continue discussions on a follow-up, as appropriate, in July 2025, taking into account the evolution of the situation on the ground.
6. Recalling its conclusions of 17 October 2024, the European Council reiterates its strong condemnation of the escalation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, following increased settler violence, the expansion of illegal settlements and Israel's military operation. It reiterates its call on the Council to take work forward on further restrictive measures against extremist settlers and entities and organisations which support them. The European Council calls for further work on restrictive measures against Hamas.
7. The European Union remains firmly committed to a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution. The European Union is ready to contribute to all efforts towards this solution and calls on all parties to refrain from actions that undermine its viability. It will continue to work with regional and international partners to that end. The European Union will continue supporting the Palestinian Authority and its reform agenda. The European Council looks forward to the forthcoming High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.
Iran
8. The European Union remains strongly committed to peace, security and stability in the Middle East. The European Council welcomes the cessation of hostilities and urges all parties to abide by international law, show restraint, and refrain from taking action which could lead to a new escalation. The European Union has always been clear that Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon and that it must comply with its legally binding nuclear safeguard obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The European Union will continue to contribute to all diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and to bring about a lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, which can only be achieved through negotiations.
Syria
9. The European Council welcomes the recent lifting of economic sanctions against Syria, as part of the European Union's gradual, reversible approach. It recalls the importance of a peaceful and inclusive transition in Syria, free from harmful foreign interference, of the protection of the rights of Syrians from all ethnic and religious backgrounds without discrimination, and of transitional justice and reconciliation. The European Council condemns the recent terrorist attack at the Mar Elias Church in Damascus and calls for those responsible to be held to account. Syria's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within secure borders should be fully respected, in accordance with international law.
Lebanon
10.The European Council reiterates the European Union's support for the Lebanese people and welcomes the efforts of the new authorities to stabilise the economic and security situation. It supports the Lebanese State's sovereignty and territorial integrity and recalls the fundamental stabilisation role of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon. The European Council reiterates its call on all parties to implement the terms of the 27 November 2024 ceasefire agreement and for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
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