As the Iran war continues, the EU will protect its interests and pursue those responsible for domestic repression.
It also sends a message to Tehran that Iran’s future cannot be built on repression. (2/2)
The EU continues to hold Iran accountable.
Today, EU Member States ambassadors approved new sanctions targeting 19 regime officials and entities responsible for serious human rights violations. (1/2)
We are also tapping into emergency reserves to support 130,000 people in Lebanon, with the first aid deliveries expected tomorrow. (2/2)
Today, the first fully EU-funded flights have brought back European citizens stranded in the Middle East.
So far our EU Civil Protection Mechanism with the help of our Delegations on the ground have coordinated over 40 national flights, helping more than 4,100 EU citizens return home (1/2)
My statement ↓
link.europa.eu/Q363CP
Hezbollah’s decision to attack Israel in support of Iran endangers the entire region. Israel has the right to self-defence in line with international law.
At the same time, Israel’s heavy-handed response is causing mass displacement and is further destabilising a fragile situation.
We see a new world order characterized by competition and coercive power politics, featuring military powers, who aim to establish spheres of influence.
How we respond to this moment will define us.
Extract of my speech at our EU Ambassadors Conference ↓
This is why the European Union has now suspended visa-free travel for Georgian diplomats and officials over the country’s democratic backsliding and its crackdown on protesters. (2/2)
My statement with @MartaKosEU ↓
ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
If a government attacks its own people, silences journalists, and curtails freedom, there are consequences. (1/2)
These will allow for regular high-level political dialogues and simplify procedures for Swiss personnel joining EU missions.
Together with Defence Minister Martin Pfister, we held the first such dialogue. (2/2)
The EU and Switzerland are trusted partners.
It was a pleasure to be in Zurich to sign with @ignaziocassis new agreements deepening the EU’s foreign and security policy ties with Switzerland. (1/2)
We stand before an opportunity.
Europe can step onto the global stage united and strong, or resign ourselves to the sidelines.
Paraphrasing Winston Churchill in June 1940, this may not be Europe’s finest hour, but it is Europe’s hour of decision.
My remarks at the Churchill Lecture in Zurich ↓
The same drones that are attacking Kyiv, are now attacking our partners in the Middle East.
So we will explore how we can support drone interceptor production. (2/2)
Tehran is now trying to export the war to as many countries as it can.
Today, EU Foreign Ministers and our Gulf partners will discuss what we can do together to break the cycle of violence. (1/2)
My doorstep ↓
The EU expresses its solidarity with partners that have been attacked or affected.
We will continue to contribute to all diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and bring about a lasting solution to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon (2/2)
Statement on behalf of EU → link.europa.eu/vgvXNT
Iran’s attacks of a number of countries in the Middle East are inexcusable.
The events must not lead to further escalation that could threaten the region, Europe and beyond, with unpredictable consequences.
We are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of EU citizens in the region. (1/2)
I’m in contact with partners, including those in the region that bear the brunt of Iran’s military actions, to find practical steps for de-escalation. (2/2)
The death Ali Khamenei is a defining moment in Iran’s history.
What comes next is uncertain.
But there is now an open path to a different Iran, one that its people may have greater freedom to shape (1/2)
The Iranian regime’s indiscriminate attacks against its neighbours carry the risk of dragging the region into a broader war and we condemn this.
It is essential that the war does not spread any further. The Iranian regime has choices to make. (2/2)
I will convene an extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council via video link on Sunday to address Iran and the rapidly unfolding events across the Middle East.
I have been in contact with our partners in the Gulf countries. (1/2)
Our Aspides naval mission remains on high alert in the Red Sea and stands ready to help keep the maritime corridor open. (4/4)
Protection of civilians and international humanitarian law is a priority. Our consular network is fully engaged in facilitating departures for EU citizens. Non-essential EU personnel are being withdrawn from the region. (3/4)
The EU has adopted strong sanctions against Iran and supported diplomatic solutions, including on the nuclear issue.
I have spoken to Israel’s Foreign Minister Saar and other ministers in the region. The EU is also coordinating closely with Arab partners to explore diplomatic paths. (2/4)
The latest developments across the Middle East are perilous.
Iran’s regime has killed thousands. Its ballistic missile and nuclear programmes, along with support for terror groups, pose a serious threat to global security. (1/4)
Going after Russia shadow tanker fleet decimates Moscow’s war chest.
We must also flip the script in peace talks, away from pressure on Ukraine, to what Russia must to do for lasting peace in Europe. (2/2)
Four years into its war in Ukraine, Russia is not winning. By any measure, Moscow’s invasion is a total strategic failure.
Within the Coalition of the Willing, we are clear that the fastest way to end the war is to increase support for Ukraine and intensify pressure on Russia. (1/2)
The fastest path to end this war is more pressure on Russia and more support to Ukraine.
Let this be the last war anniversary we mark. (2/2)
In solidarity with the Ukrainian people, we raise the Ukrainian flag alongside the EU flag at our @eudiplomacy.bsky.social HQ.
This is more than a symbol.
Ukraine’s future lies within the EU.
With our support, Ukrainians are resisting and holding firm. (1/2)
Everybody understands that diplomacy is preferable to war.
Yet after a year of talks, we still do not even have ceasefire.
It is not Ukraine that is the obstacle to peace, Russia is.
We must flip the script to what Russia must do to meet the basic conditions for a just and lasted peace.
Four years into its war, Moscow has failed to achieve any of its strategic objectives.
The pressure in the peace talks seems to be falling on Ukraine. But if we want this war to stop and any peace to last, we need to see concessions from Russia.
My doorstep ahead of our Foreign Affairs Council ↓
