The European Union called for renewed emphasis on diplomacy, dialogue and mediation to resolve conflicts across the Middle East, in a statement delivered on 11 June 2026 at the UN Security Council Open Debate on Advancing Political Solutions in the Middle East. Speaking on behalf of the EU and its member states, Quentin Weiler, Head of the Political and UN Security Council Affairs Section at the EU Delegation to the UN, expressed regret over continued civilian casualties in Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, Israel, Yemen and Gulf countries, and condemned Iran's indiscriminate military strikes. The EU urged all actors to respect international law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.
The statement comes amid heightened regional tensions following US-Iran escalation and ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. Weiler noted with regret that mediators have become targets during mediation processes, commending Qatar, Oman, the United States, Egypt, Pakistan and other regional partners for their mediation roles. The EU reaffirmed its readiness to support UN and regionally led initiatives to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation, stressing that durable stability requires sustained political engagement and respect for international law.
On Gaza, the EU reiterated its call for full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and the two-state solution based on the New York Declaration. It supports mediators and the Office of the High Representative for Gaza in achieving a permanent ceasefire, disarmament of Hamas and other non-state armed groups, and full withdrawal of Israeli forces as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. The EU contributes to this plan through civilian crisis management missions and support for the Palestinian Authority, including its reform and return to Gaza.
On Lebanon, the EU urged all actors to abide by the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon and rejected any additional conditions from Hezbollah. It reiterated the need for full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and stressed that a continued UN presence in Lebanon post-UNIFIL remains essential. The EU expressed readiness to contribute to a post-UNIFIL UN presence in 2027.
The EU highlighted its institutional architecture for peace mediation, which has grown since 2011 and includes the good offices of the High Representative, EU Special Representatives and Envoys, a dedicated mediation support team, and partnerships with the UN, think-tanks and civil society. The EU currently supports over 26 mediation processes globally, mostly in the Levant and MENA region. Its 21 ongoing crisis management missions (12 civilian) provide security and political support to peace processes and are open to third-state participation.
The EU positioned itself as the largest donor to UN mediation efforts and a major funder of civil society peacebuilders. Weiler called for an 'ecosystem of peace' where each actor plays to their strengths, and noted the work of the UN Group of Friends of Mediation. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, supporting full, equal and meaningful participation of women in conflict settlement and mediation.
Impact on stakeholders: The statement reinforces the EU's role as a diplomatic actor in the Middle East, potentially increasing its influence with regional partners and the UN. For conflict-affected civilians, the EU's call for protection of civilians and support for ceasefires may offer some hope, but the lack of new concrete measures limits immediate impact. For Israel and Palestine, the EU's continued backing of the two-state solution and the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict maintains political pressure but does not alter the current deadlock. For Hezbollah and non-state armed groups, the EU's rejection of additional conditions and call for disarmament signals continued opposition. The EU's own crisis management missions and mediation teams may see increased demand for their services, but no new resources were announced.