COLLEGE MEETING : Statements by President von der Leyen and High Representative Borrell on the situation in Iraq, Iran, wider Middle East and Libya

This morning, the College met to discuss the situation stemming from the tensions in Iraq, Iran, the wider Middle East as well as Libya.President von der Leyen and High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell issued statements after the meeting. President von der Leyen stated: “The current crisis deeply affects not only the region but all of us. And the use of weapons must stop now to give space to dialogue. We are called upon to do everything possible to rekindle talks. There cannot be enough of that. The European Union in its own way has a lot to offer. We have established and time tested relations with many actors in the region and beyond to de-escalate the situation.” High Representative/Vice-President Borrell said: “The developments in Iran and Iraq and the whole region are extremely worrying. The latest rocket attacks on air bases in Iraq used by the U.S. and the coalition forces are yet another example of escalation and increased confrontation – it is in no one’s interest to turn up the spiral of violence even further.” The full statements of the President and of the High Representative/Vice-President are available online.