Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
  Today, Thursday, the work of the European Summit in Brussels continued, and the second and final day focused on economic issues. Following the discussions that took place on the first day, a statement was issued by the leaders of the European Union countries about the situation in the Middle East region, relations with Turkey, and the situation in Ukraine, and it came as follows: First, the situation in Middle East region
. The European Council strongly and unequivocally condemns the Iranian attack on Israel and reiterates its full solidarity with the people of Israel and its commitment to Israel's security and regional stability. The European Council calls on Iran and its proxies to stop all attacks and urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any action that may increase tensions in the region. The European Union will take further restrictive measures against Iran, especially regarding drones and missiles. The European Union remains fully committed to contributing to de-escalation and achieving security in the region.
. The European Council recalls its conclusions of March 2024 in all their elements, and reiterates its commitment to work with partners to end the crisis in Gaza without delay and to implement UN Security Council Resolution 2728, including through an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of Prisoners. All hostages, as well as providing full, rapid, safe and unhindered access to large-scale humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need. The European Union remains firmly committed to lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution.
. The European Union is ready to work with all partners to avoid further escalation of tensions in the region, especially in Lebanon. He recalls his strong support for Lebanon and the Lebanese people, and acknowledges the difficult circumstances that Lebanon is experiencing internally and as a result of regional tensions. The European Council calls on all parties to commit to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701. In this context, the European Union remains committed to Lebanon’s stability, including by supporting much-needed reforms, and strengthening its support for Lebanon. Lebanese Armed Forces.
. The European Council affirms the European Union's determination to support the most vulnerable people in Lebanon, including refugees, displaced persons and host communities in need, as well as to provide support to combat human trafficking and smuggling. The European Council reaffirms the need to provide appropriate conditions for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of Syrian refugees, as defined by the Commission.
. In light of the Eighth Brussels Conference on Syria, the European Council calls on the High Representative and the Commission to review and strengthen the effectiveness of EU assistance to Syrian refugees and displaced persons in Syria and in the region. It calls on all donors to maintain or increase the level of assistance they provide.
secondly. Türkiye
. The European Council held a strategic discussion on EU-Turkey relations, taking into account the joint communication of the High Representative and the Commission on the state of political, economic and trade relations between the European Union and Turkey. The European Union has a strategic interest in a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and in developing a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Turkey. The European Council entrusts the Political Committee Coreper, while respecting the competences of the relevant institutions, to promote action on the recommendations of the Joint Communication in line with previous European Council conclusions and in a progressive, proportionate and reversible manner, taking into account additional directives from the European Council. Türkiye's constructive participation will be useful in strengthening the various areas of cooperation identified in the joint communication.
. In this regard, the European Union attaches particular importance to the resumption of the Cyprus settlement talks and making progress therein in order to further strengthen cooperation between the European Union and Turkey. Recalling its previous conclusions, the European Council remains fully committed to reaching a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, within the framework of the United Nations, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the principles on which the Union was founded and the acquis. The European Council welcomes the appointment of Maria Angela Holguín Cuéllar as Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General to Cyprus. The European Union stands ready to play an active role in supporting all stages of the UN-led process, with all appropriate means at its disposal.
Thirdly, Ukraine
. Recalling its conclusions of March 2024, the European Council reiterates its full and unwavering support for Ukraine, its people and its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
. The European Council strongly condemns Russia's ongoing air and missile attacks against civilians in Ukraine and civilian and vital infrastructure, including the recent intensified targeting of the energy sector. The European Union and its Member States will step up the provision of humanitarian and civil protection assistance, including equipment such as power generators and power transformers.
. The European Council stresses the need to urgently provide air defense to Ukraine and to accelerate and intensify the provision of all necessary military assistance, including artillery ammunition and missiles. The Council, especially at its next meeting, calls on Member States to ensure the necessary follow-up. The European Council welcomes the progress made on the proposals to channel extraordinary revenues from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine and calls for their rapid adoption.
Military support will be provided with full respect for the security and defense policy of certain Member States and taking into account the security and defense interests of all Member States.