On March 19, leaders of the European Union will convene in Brussels for a European Council meeting to discuss key topics including competitiveness, the single market, support for Ukraine, and the situation in the Middle East. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to participate in the discussions.
This announcement was made by Cyprus’s Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, during her address at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on March 11, as reported by Ukrinform.
“As always, the meeting will begin with an exchange of views with the President of the European Parliament, followed by leaders listening to President Zelensky,” Raouna stated.
According to Raouna, the spring European Council meeting traditionally focuses on economic matters, with leaders set to examine issues related to competitiveness, deepening and integrating the single market, and the multiannual financial framework amid rapidly changing geopolitical circumstances. Special attention will be given to the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East.
“In the current deteriorating geopolitical environment, it is crucial to reaffirm the unwavering support for Ukraine from the European Union, which remains a top priority,” Raouna emphasized.
She highlighted that leaders will engage in discussions with President Zelensky and continue to explore how the EU can sustain support for Ukraine across various levels.
Raouna also pointed out the broader interconnections between regional crises, noting that Iran has been supplying Russia with Shahed drones for attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
She remarked that over the years of countering these attacks, Ukraine has gained significant experience in this area, adding that “Kyiv has already offered to share this experience,” which she believes illustrates the interconnected nature of security challenges.
“In this complex environment, the European Union must remain united, principled, and engaged,” Raouna concluded.
Military Operations Against Iran
On February 28, Israel launched an attack on Tehran, the capital of Iran. Subsequently, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces had initiated a “major military operation” against Iran aimed at “eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.” He accused the Iranian government of “funding and training” militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Hamas in Palestine. The objective of the military operation is to “destroy Iran’s missile industry and fleet,” as well as to “ensure the prevention of global destabilization.”
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have launched missiles and drones towards Israel and attacked U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Amid the U.S. military operation against Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The European Union has reiterated its “unwavering commitment to ensuring regional security and stability” in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that it is fair to give Iranians a chance to rid themselves of the “terrorist regime and guarantee security for all nations affected by attacks from Iran.”
On March 1, the IRGC announced the initiation of “the most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and “American terrorist bases.” Trump urged the Iranian regime to abandon these plans and threatened to deliver a “very strong blow” in response.
On March 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the next phase of the U.S. military operation against Iran would be even more devastating.
On March 6, Trump emphasized the need for a complete change of leadership in Iran, adding that he already has several candidates in mind for a “good leader.”
On March 8, Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the slain Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.
Trump declined to comment on Mojtaba Khamenei’s election, stating only, “We’ll see what happens.” Previously, he had remarked that the new leader of Iran “won’t last long” without the approval of the White House.
The upcoming European Council meeting will focus on critical issues such as support for Ukraine and regional stability in the Middle East. Concurrently, tensions escalate due to military operations involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran, highlighting the interconnected nature of geopolitical challenges.
Source: Ukrinform