The informal European Council held on 23–24 April 2026 in Cyprus concluded with a strong display of unity around security, energy resilience, and the European Union’s global role, as leaders grappled with the escalating consequences of conflict in the Middle East, writes Catherine Feore.
“Our meeting in Cyprus, in the current context, carries an important symbolism. It demonstrates the EU’s firm and unequivocal support to member states most affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East,” said European Council President António Costa referring to the drone attack on a British airbase in Cyprus
‘360-degree vision’ for security
At the heart of discussions was Europe’s evolving security environment. “Today, Europe is facing a challenging security environment. One that requires Europe to have a 360-degree vision for sustainable peace and security – and to act upon it,” he said.
Leaders had gathered not only to discuss the loans to Ukraine and the 20th sanction package against Russia, but also the widening instability in the Middle East, which has direct implications for European security and economic stability. Cyprus, due to its geographic proximity, was highlighted as “a vital anchor of cooperation and European engagement in the region.”
Middle East: From ceasefires to long-term strategy
The Middle East dominated the agenda and while recent ceasefires were cautiously welcomed, the leaders are anxious to have a more lasting solution. Ursula von der Leyen said, “our shared goal is now to negotiate a lasting end to the war.”
Costa said that all parties must engage in good faith to achieve peace, saying that the European Union, which was not involved in the initial decision by Israel and the US to attack Iran would “be part of the solution”.
Von der Leyen stressed the need for “restoring full and permanent freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz without tolls”, while Costa similarly listed restoring navigation in the strategic waterway as a top EU objective.
Costa said the EU’s priority was to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz;
to work towards a stable and lasting ceasefire that could pave the way to sustainable peace in the region; and to ensure that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon.
Leaders from Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt and the Gulf Cooperation Council attended the meeting. Costa said that they could count on the EU.
From crisis response to long-term partnerships
Both leaders stressed that the EU’s approach goes beyond crisis management. “We are not just partners in managing crisis. We are partners for the future,” von der Leyen said, pointing to strengthened ties with countries. She also highlighted broader geopolitical ambitions, including a deeper partnership with Gulf countries and advancing strategic infrastructure such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
Perhaps most strikingly, she underlined the direct link between regional instability and European prosperity: “A threat to a merchant vessel in the Strait of Hormuz is a threat to a factory, for example, in Belgium.”
Economic fallout and energy transition
The geopolitical crisis is already hitting Europe’s economy. Leaders warned of rising fossil fuel prices, slowing growth, and pressure on households and businesses. Costa acknowledged the urgency: the conflict is “dragging down growth and directly affecting the lives of citizens and companies.”
In response, the EU is preparing coordinated measures, building on proposals presented by von der Leyen. But leaders also stressed that short-term mitigation must be paired with long-term transformation.
“There is only one game in town for Europe,” Costa said, pointing to “speeding up our energy transition and accelerating the deployment of homegrown clean energy sources” as the key to lasting energy security.
EU’s long-term budget negotiations taking shape
Beyond immediate crises, the meeting also advanced discussions on the EU’s next long-term budget, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Leaders agreed on the urgency of reaching a deal by the end of 2026 to ensure implementation from 2028.
Costa said that the debate today confirmed that new ‘own resources’ will have to play an important role in funding the budget, but there is still disagreement on how this should be achieved. There is said to be an openness to considering options beyond what the EU has already proposed. Costa said that the Council will return to the MFF discussions at the June European Council. Further proposals, including those from the European Parliament, remain under consideration, with more concrete figures expected in June.
