EU Statement – UN Security Council: Advancing Political Solutions in the Middle East

EU Statement - UN Security Council: Advancing Political Solutions in the Middle East

11 June 2026, New York - Statement on behalf of the European Union and its Member States by Mr. Quentin Weiler, Head of the Political and UN Security Council Affairs Section, Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, at the UN Security Council Open Debate on Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Advancing Political Solutions in the Middle East: Mediation and Dialogue for Lasting Peace

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President, Excellencies,

1. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

2. The Candidate Countries Montenegro, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina*, as well as Andorra and San Marino align themselves with this statement.

3. I thank the Colombian Presidency of the Security Council for scheduling this timely debate.

   Colleagues,

4. The European Union, like the United Nations, was born from the devastation of war. It is at its very heart a peace project, where a continent once divided by brutal war chose cooperation over confrontation, human rights over human repression, and economic solidarity over economic inequality. But diplomacy, dialogue, and mediation are not only our tools of choice; they are indispensable to sustainable peace, in line with the principles and provisions of the UN Charter.

5. Greater emphasis on these tools is urgently needed in today's Middle East. We deeply regret the continued loss of civilian lives across the region, including in Gaza, Lebanon, Iran, Israel or Yemen. The regional ramifications of the US-Iran escalation also saw civilian casualties in the Gulf countries, prompting us to express our full solidarity with the countries affected and to condemn Iran's indiscriminate military strikes. All actors must respect international law, including international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must always be protected.

1. We urge all actors to fully abide by the terms of the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon and reject any additional conditions from Hezbollah. We will continue to support the Lebanese State's sovereignty, territorial integrity and State-building efforts and reiterate the need for full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. A continued UN presence in Lebanon in the post-UNIFIL context remains essential to ensure the implementation of this resolution. In this context, we look forward to constructive discussions on the options presented to the UN Security Council by the UN Secretary General, and reaffirm the EU's readiness to contribute to a post-UNIFIL UN presence in Lebanon in 2027.

2. We note, with regret, that mediators have become targets of attacks during ongoing mediation processes. We need mediators able to take risks, keep doors and channels open. We must therefore actively protect the mediation space together. We commend our Qatari and Omani colleagues for their mediation roles in the region that, regrettably, sometimes come at a high cost. We also commend the engagement and mediation activities of the United States and Egypt as well as Pakistan and other regional partners offering good offices.

3. We stand ready to support UN and regionally led initiatives aimed at reducing tensions and preventing further regional escalation. Durable stability will also require sustained political engagement and respect for international law by all sides, including international humanitarian law and human rights law. Recent tensions affecting maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Gulf further demonstrate that the region's crises quickly become global crises and illustrate the need for comprehensive and collective solutions.

4. The deteriorating situation in Gaza underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive political solution based on the implementation of the two-State solution, where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side-by-side in peace within secure and recognised borders. The New York Declaration provides a political framework to guide these efforts. The EU reiterates its call for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 which provides a framework for ending the conflict and addressing the humanitarian crisis. We support the mediators and the Office of the High Representative for Gaza in their efforts to achieve a permanent ceasefire, the disarmament of Hamas and other non-state armed groups, and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces, as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. The EU contributes to the implementation of this Plan, including through our civilian crisis management missions and leading support for the Palestinian Authority, including in its ongoing reform, and in view of its return to Gaza, and also through the Palestine Donor Group.

   Colleagues,

5. The EU stands ready to do more in all conflict theatres, in the Middle East and beyond. We are willing to put options on the table, to cooperate within our existing structures, and to find new ways to ensure mediation succeeds both today and tomorrow. Our approach remains firmly human-centred, focused on sustainable, locally owned solutions that address actual root causes rather than just symptoms. In line with our commitment to the Women Peace and Security Agenda, the EU strongly supports full, equal and meaningful participation of women in conflict settlement, prevention and mediation processes.

6. The EU is currently supporting over 26 mediation processes globally, with the majority focused on the Levant and the Middle East and North Africa region. Our institutional architecture for peace mediation has grown steadily since 2011, and includes the good offices of the EU High Representative and EU Special Representatives and Envoys, a dedicated mediation support team, and leveraging our mediation partnerships with the UN, partner countries, think-tanks, and civil society.

7. Our civilian and military crisis management missions represent another vital resource in our mediation toolbox. With 21 ongoing missions - including 12 civilian operations - we provide both security and political support to peace processes. These missions are open to third-state participation, demonstrating our commitment to inclusive, multilateral approaches.

1. The EU's strength and added value lies in our ability to both engage directly and support others. We are the largest donor to UN mediation efforts and provide substantial grants to civil society peacebuilders, and we step in ourselves when we can add value. We recognize that in today's complex mediation landscape, no single actor can do it all. We must work as an ecosystem of peace, with each actor playing to their strengths. One of the EU's mediation priorities is to form partnerships in this domain. We take note of the work of the UN Group of Friends of Mediation, and we will continue to work very closely with the UN, with mediation champions and with cross-regional partners.

   President,

2. In conclusion, with our historical experience, institutional architecture, operational readiness, and financial commitment, the European Union stands ready to lend our support and experience as a mediation partner. Guided by the UN Charter and fundamental values and principles, we are willing to work with and support mediation processes to advance lasting political solutions in the Middle East and beyond. The path to peace is challenging, but with coordinated international effort, it remains achievable.

Thank you.

1. Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.