EU leaders condemn hybrid attacks, push for stronger defense and Middle East peace

European Union leaders have unanimously condemned a campaign of hybrid attacks targeting the bloc, explicitly attributing them to Russia and Belarus, and called for a major acceleration in efforts to strengthen European resilience. The conclusions, adopted during the ongoing EU summit in Brussels, outline a comprehensive strategy to counter threats ranging from cyberattacks and disinformation to the sabotage of critical infrastructure.

A united front against hybrid warfare and strategic dependencies

The European Council stated that the war in Ukraine and its broader repercussions represent an "existential challenge" to European and global security. In response, leaders pledged to "accelerate efforts to strengthen resilience, better protect critical infrastructure and enhance capacity to prevent, deter and respond to hybrid threats." The bloc is prepared to deploy "all relevant policies and instruments," including the possibility of imposing further sanctions on Russia and Belarus. The summit also reviewed progress on reducing strategic dependencies and addressing key defense capability gaps to bolster the EU's overall security posture.

Middle East: Condemning violence and upholding international law

Shifting focus to the Middle East, the EU leaders issued a firm statement on the Israel-Palestine conflict. They "strongly condemned the massive increase in settler violence against Palestinian civilians," including attacks on Christian communities, and denounced policies of "forcible displacement and annexation" in the West Bank. The conclusions reiterated unwavering support for a two-state solution based on international law and called for "rapid, safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid" throughout Gaza. The leaders also urged respect for the status quo of Jerusalem's holy sites and called for further restrictive measures against extremist settlers.

Syria and the principle of sovereignty

On Syria, the EU reiterated its support for a "peaceful and inclusive transition" one year after the political change in Damascus, while issuing a clear warning against "foreign interference." The statement emphasized the need to respect Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity—a principle that aligns with the consistent position of neighboring countries like Türkiye, which advocates for a stable, unified Syria and emphasizes the importance of regional actors respecting international borders and supporting political solutions.