The EU and the Middle East

The European Union's relations with the Middle East

EU 'regrets' Israeli settlement plan — 20 October 2012, 11:33 CET

The European Union's foreign policy chief on Thursday criticised Israel's plan to build hundreds of homes in annexed east Jerusalem and called for it to hold fresh talks with the Palestinians.

BBC services jammed in Middle East, Europe — 18 October 2012, 17:04 CET

The BBC said Thursday its services in the Middle East and Europe were being deliberately jammed, along with those of other broadcasters.

Russia says November Iran nuclear talks 'realistic' — 18 October 2012, 12:03 CET

Russia said Thursday it was "realistic" to hold direct talks next month between Iran's chief negotiator and six-nation representative Catherine Ashton over the Islamic republic's nuclear drive.

Russia says 'very concerned' by new EU Iran sanctions — 17 October 2012, 22:09 CET

Russia said Wednesday it is "very concerned" by new EU sanctions against Iran, which it claimed will work against talks on Tehran's contested nuclear programme.

Iran slams EU satellite bans as illegal — 16 October 2012, 16:47 CET

Iran on Tuesday slammed a decision by France's Eutelsat and Arqiva of Britain to stop broadcasting Iranian state television channels as "without legal justification."

Israel PM welcomes fresh EU sanctions on Iran — 16 October 2012, 22:27 CET

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the European Union on Tuesday for the latest round of sanctions imposed on Iran, but reserved judgement on whether it would halt its nuclear drive.

Iran won't capitulate in nuclear talks: Khamenei — 16 October 2012, 13:41 CET

Iran will not give in to "bullying" at the negotiating table with world powers over its disputed nuclear programme despite new economic sanctions, its supreme leader said on Tuesday.

EU blacklists Iran energy minister under new sanctions — 16 October 2012, 13:41 CET

The European Union on Tuesday froze the assets of Iranian Energy Minister Majid Namjoo as part of a series of tough new sanctions against Tehran over its disputed nuclear programme.

Iran says new EU sanctions 'inhumane' — 16 October 2012, 13:38 CET

Iran said Tuesday the latest round of EU economic sanctions imposed over the country's disputed nuclear programme are "inhumane" as they target its general population.

US charges Iran with 'economic mismanagement' — 16 October 2012, 10:28 CET

The United States on Monday accused Iran of extreme economic mismanagement as biting sanctions wreak havoc on the Iranian economy, and the European Union agreed a new slew of moves against the regime.

Cameron urges Israel to give Iran sanctions time — 16 October 2012, 00:09 CET

British Prime Minister David Cameron on Monday urged Israel not to launch a military attack on Iran over its contested nuclear programme and said sanctions should be given time to work.

Israeli envoy to Sweden 'regrets' Iran comments — 15 October 2012, 19:28 CET

Israel's ambassador to Stockholm voiced regret Monday at an Israeli official's remark that Sweden would oppose stronger EU sanctions against Iran to protect a business deal, the Swedish government said.

US welcomes new EU sanctions on Iran — 15 October 2012, 19:29 CET

The United States Monday welcomed new European Union financial and trade sanctions slapped on Iran over its nuclear program, saying they deepened the Islamic republic's isolation.

EU tightens financial noose on Iran, Syria with new sanctions — 16 October 2012, 00:14 CET

European Union foreign ministers on Monday agreed tough sanctions against Iran, aimed at forcing a breakthrough in talks on Tehran's nuclear programme, and also the regime in war-ravaged Syria.

Sweden summons Israeli ambassador on Iran newspaper story — 15 October 2012, 13:02 CET

Sweden's foreign ministry said it had summoned Israel's ambassador on Monday after an Israeli official was quoted as saying Stockholm would oppose more EU sanctions on Iran to protect a business deal.

EU to 'intensify' pressure on Iran failing progress: Hague — 15 October 2012, 11:08 CET

The European Union, about to ratchet up sanctions against Iran over its disputed nuclear drive, will keep up the pressure on Tehran failing a breakthrough in talks, British Foreign Secretary William said Monday.

Israel, Palestinians congratulate EU, urge peace efforts — 13 October 2012, 00:21 CET

Israel and the Palestinians congratulated the European Union on Friday for receiving the Nobel Peace Prize and said they expected the EU to continue its peacemaking efforts in the Middle East.

Israel urges EU to continue Middle East peacemaking efforts — 12 October 2012, 16:49 CET

Israel congratulated the European Union on Friday over being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, and said it expected the EU to continue its peacemaking efforts in the Middle East.

Abbas backs EU statements as basis for peace talks — 09 October 2012, 18:59 CET

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas told EU envoys on Tuesday he accepts European declarations on the peace process as the basis for renewing talks with Israel and plans to incorporate them into his UN statehood campaign.

Ashton appeals to Iran to stay activist's execution — 09 October 2012, 18:45 CET

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton on Tuesday urged Iran to stay the execution of activist Gholamreza Khosravi Savadjani, sentenced for allegedly supporting the People's Mujahedeen of Iran.

Abu Hamza: Hook-handed radical preacher faces US extradition — 05 October 2012, 17:32 CET

With his hooked hand and distinctive appearance, radical preacher Abu Hamza has the highest profile of the five men set to be extradited to the United States to face terror charges.

South Korea resumes Iranian oil imports: report — 05 October 2012, 10:50 CET

South Korea has resumed imports of Iranian crude oil after halting them in July due to Western sanctions targeting Tehran's nuclear programme, a report said Friday.

US urges EU to shelter Iran dissidents stranded in Iraq — 03 October 2012, 19:24 CET

A US official urged European nations Wednesday to offer shelter to Iranian dissidents housed for decades in a camp in Iraq and last week removed from a Washington terrorist blacklist.

Extra sanctions aim to punish Iran and restrain Israel — 30 September 2012, 13:10 CET

The European Union and United States are set to toughen nuclear sanctions aiming to punish Iran while seeking to hold back Israel from a military strike, as the showdown enters a critical phase.

Major powers demand urgent Iran action on nuclear fears — 28 September 2012, 11:03 CET

Iran must take urgent action to allay mounting international concerns over its nuclear drive, EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton said Thursday after talks among the major powers.