The EU and the Middle East

The European Union's relations with the Middle East

Lithuania to abstain on Palestinian UN bid as EU split — 28 November 2012, 13:54 CET

Lithuania will abstain on the looming Palestinian bid for upgraded UN membership, given the lack of a united stance in the 27-nation European Union, President Dalia Grybauskaite said Wednesday.

EU to unfreeze Egyptian, Tunisian assets — 26 November 2012, 23:16 CET

The European Union is lifting its asset freeze on Egyptian and Tunisian funds, imposed as sanctions before the countries' strongmen rulers were ousted in the Arab Spring uprisings.

EU urges Morsi to respect Egypt's democratic process — 23 November 2012, 15:52 CET

The European Union on Friday urged Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi to respect the democratic process after he assumed sweeping powers decried by the opposition as dictatorial.

Russia says Quartet 'insufficient' to solve Mideast crisis — 23 November 2012, 10:56 CET

Russia on Friday said the Middle East Quartet is an "insufficient" format for long-term resolution of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, calling on the body to work together with the Arab League.

EU welcomes Gaza ceasefire, urges implementation — 22 November 2012, 10:52 CET

European Union leaders, Jose Manuel Barroso and Herman Van Rompuy, on Wednesday welcomed the ceasefire proclaimed in Gaza, saying it was "now crucial" to make sure it was implemented.

EU calls for 'immediate' halt to hostilities — 19 November 2012, 18:17 CET

European Union foreign ministers Monday called for an "immediate" halt to hostilities in Gaza and Israel as a new strike in a sixth day of violence pushed the toll in Gaza to over 100.

Iran asks UN, EU to halt 'barbaric' Israel assault on Gaza — 15 November 2012, 22:05 CET

Iran called on the United Nations and the European Union on Thursday to halt Israel's "barbaric" offensive against the Gaza Strip.

EU denounces Iran's jamming of satellite TV broadcasts — 14 November 2012, 20:54 CET

The European Union on Wednesday denounced Iran's "deliberate jamming" of television and radio satellite broadcasts that deprive its citizens of access to free information, and called on Tehran to abide by global telecommunications laws.

EU approves EUR 5.0 bn financial aid package to Egypt — 14 November 2012, 19:10 CET

The European Union has approved a 5.0 billion euro financial aid package to Egypt after its economy was battered by a 2011 uprising that toppled Hosni Mubarak, the EU and Egypt said on Wednesday.

EU voices concern over deadly Gaza flare-up — 12 November 2012, 12:06 CET

The European Union voiced concern Monday about the latest flare-up of deadly violence on the Israeli-Gaza border and called on both sides to show restraint.

EU regrets Israel to build 1,213 new settlement homes — 08 November 2012, 17:56 CET

European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton on Thursday criticised Israel for offering tenders this week for the construction of 1,213 new homes in settlement neighbourhoods of east Jerusalem.

Obama views on Iran 'different' than Israel: official report — 08 November 2012, 17:05 CET

An Iranian intelligence ministry report has said the Obama administration has "completely different" views on Iran than its ally Israel and more flexible ones than the European Union, breaking from the usual official rhetoric.

Mistreatment of activist makes Iran 'look worse:' watchdogs — 31 October 2012, 16:48 CET

Iran's "mistreatment" of prominent rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh makes Tehran look worse in the eyes of the world, Nobel peace laureate Shirin Ebadi and six rights groups said on Wednesday.

Iran lawmaker blames Euro MPs for trip cancellation — 27 October 2012, 16:39 CET

A top Iranian lawmaker blamed Euro MPs for making an "irrational request" of meeting two jailed winners of 2012 Sakharov awards that led to Saturday's cancellation of their visit to Tehran.

Euro-MPs cancel Iran visit in row over rights prize winners — 27 October 2012, 21:57 CET

A planned visit to Iran by five Euro MPs was called off Saturday after Tehran refused to let them meet a jailed activist lawyer and a filmmaker, just a day after the two were awarded a prestigious European human rights prize.

Abbas talks of Palestinian UN status to Ashton — 25 October 2012, 22:10 CET

Mahmud Abbas on Thursday briefed EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton about attempts to raise the Palestinians' UN status to non-member state, a report said.

EU contacts Iran over nuclear dispute — 25 October 2012, 19:41 CET

The EU, leading diplomatic efforts to resolve the dispute over Iran's nuclear programme, has talked to Tehran to bring it up to date on the latest discussions, officials said Thursday.

Ashton in Israel as Gaza violence flares — 24 October 2012, 22:23 CET

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton held talks Wednesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as scores of Gaza rockets pounded southern Israel and air strikes killed four armed Palestinians.

EU, US warn against political vacuum in Lebanon — 24 October 2012, 10:42 CET

The United States and the European Union have expressed concern at the political situation in Lebanon, where the opposition has called for the premier to step down over a deadly blast blamed on Syria.

Ashton 'appalled' by Iran executions — 23 October 2012, 19:30 CET

European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said on Tuesday she was "appalled" by the execution of 10 Iranians convicted of drug trafficking offences.

Israel to publish tenders for 700 settler homes — 23 October 2012, 15:42 CET

Israel is to invite tenders for the construction of nearly 700 homes in annexed east Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank, days after the European Union slammed its ongoing settlement construction.

Ashton warns against political vacuum in Lebanon — 23 October 2012, 15:47 CET

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton warned on Tuesday against a political vacuum in Lebanon after the opposition called for the premier to step down over a deadly blast blamed on Syria, state media said.

European Jewish leader wants MEP Iran trip cancelled — 22 October 2012, 19:26 CET

The head of the European Jewish Congress Moshe Kantor called Monday for European Parliament members to cancel a visit to Iran which he suggested would bring "disgrace" to the EU, this year's Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Ashton on five-day Middle East tour — 22 October 2012, 17:47 CET

European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton toured a Syrian refugee camp in Jordan on Monday and held talks with King Abdullah II on the first leg of a five-day Middle East tour.

Israel PM vows to continue building in Jerusalem — 21 October 2012, 19:31 CET

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday pledged to continue unhindered construction in Jerusalem, including in its annexed eastern sector, despite criticism from the European Union.