The Middle East crisis

The European Union is committed to addressing the complex crises in the Middle East, including the recent developments in Iran. It is acting on multiple fronts, from evacuating citizens and delivering humanitarian support to engaging diplomatically, to de-escalate and prevent further conflict.

The conflict in Iran

The EU unequivocally condemned Iran’s indiscriminate attacks. Since 28 February 2026, the EU has been in constant contact with leaders across the Middle East and Europe, standing in solidarity with countries attacked by Iran and supporting the democratic aspirations of the Iranian people.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council António Costa, as well as High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to regional stability, urging for

• immediate de-escalation and maximum restraint
• protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure
• full respect of the United Nations Charter

The EU position was reiterated in the conclusions of the European Council of 19 March 2026, where all 27 leaders condemned Iran's strikes, demanded an immediate ceasefire, and called for a moratorium on attacks on energy and water infrastructure.

Presidents von der Leyen and Costa, along with other leaders, welcomed the two-week ceasefire and urged the two sides to negotiate a swift and lasting end to the war. 

Maritime security and energy measures

The EU has two naval operations to secure maritime routes in the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea: EUNAVFOR Atalanta and EUNAVFOR Aspides.

At present, there is no immediate security-of-supply issue. Europe’s energy system is well prepared and resilient, thanks to measures to diversify supply, build up reserves, and improve connectivity. 

However, Europe remains exposed to global price volatility. In response, the European Commission is proposing temporary and targeted measures to provide immediate relief while advancing structural reforms across the key components of electricity pricing. These measures include expanding state aid, improving grid efficiency, lowering electricity taxes relative to fossil fuels and modernising the Emissions Trading System.

EU’s response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Following Hamas’s violent and indiscriminate attacks across Israel on 7 October 2023, the EU condemned them and affirmed solidarity with Israel, emphasising its right to self-defence within international humanitarian law. The EU reiterated the need to protect civilians at all times and expressed concern about the humanitarian impact in Gaza due to Israeli military operations and restricted access.

The EU welcomed the October 2025 ceasefire and hostage release and called on all parties to fully implement it, including Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and unimpeded humanitarian access. The EU urged international stakeholders to strengthen efforts toward a two-state solution, with Israel and a Palestinian State living side-by-side in peace within secure and recognised borders. It deplored the continuing catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and called on Israel to allow immediate, unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale.

EU's humanitarian support to Palestinian people

The EU has been the largest international donor to the Palestinian people for over two decades, providing over €1.25 billion in humanitarian aid. This includes more than €550 million since October 2023. Part of this aid has been delivered through the EU Humanitarian Air Bridge, which has transported over 5,400 tonnes of essential supplies via 81 flights since then.

Through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, the EU also delivers assistance through the Cyprus Maritime Corridor. An EU logistics hub in Cyprus has been set up to channel aid from EU Member States to Gaza. Since 2024, 451 patients and 1240 family members have been evacuated to the EU for medical treatment.