The main European leaders have backed this Wednesday the ceasefire of two weeks agreed between the United States and Iran, while they have urged to accelerate negotiations to reach a definitive end to the conflict through diplomatic channels.
In a joint statement, signed by leaders such as Emmanuel Macron, Giorgia Meloni, Pedro Sánchez or Ursula von der Leyen, European governments emphasize that the immediate goal must be to close “in the coming days” a “quick and lasting” agreement that puts an end to the war.
The text highlights that this advance can only be achieved through diplomacy and calls for “rapid” progress towards a substantive negotiated agreement. In this context, the signatories warn that the outcome of the talks will be key both for the protection of the civilian population in Iran and for regional stability.
Furthermore, they warn that an escalation of the conflict could trigger a severe energy crisis globally, at a time of special sensitivity in international markets.
European leaders also thank Pakistan and other partners for their role in facilitating the agreement, and confirm that they maintain close contact with the United States and other involved actors to sustain diplomatic efforts.
As part of their positioning, they call on all parties to respect the ceasefire, including its application in Lebanon, and state that their governments will contribute to guaranteeing freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Keys to European positioning
- Explicit support for the temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran
- Call for a “quick and lasting” negotiated agreement
- Warning about the risk of a global energy crisis
- Demand for compliance with the truce also in Lebanon
- Commitment to ensure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz