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At a time when the war crisis in the Middle East is intensifying, raising global concerns, the 11th summit of southern European leaders in Cyprus provided a platform for the EU to address criticism of its inaction on calls for a ceasefire.
According to Pavlos Neophytos' article published in Kathimerini Cyprus in Greek, a lack of consensus among the 27 EU member states has hindered a unified stance, but the MED9 leaders, meeting in Paphos last Friday, aimed to be the first to voice Europe's concerns. The summit gained significance with the presence of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Jordan’s King Abdullah, broadening the geopolitical reach of efforts to stabilize the region.
Apart from developments in Lebanon, the summit also addressed a key issue for Cyprus: the search for safe areas in Syria that could facilitate the return of irregular migrants. Discussions included a four-party conference involving the European Commission, Cyprus, Italy, and Jordan, underscoring regional collaboration in dealing with the migration crisis.
Regarding Lebanon, the Joint Declaration issued by the nine Mediterranean countries, bolstered by Jordan’s involvement, marked an initial but significant step ahead of the upcoming European Council meeting. At a luxury resort in Tsada, leaders discussed the urgent need for de-escalation in the Middle East, with President Christodoulides and von der Leyen emphasizing the importance of a ceasefire to make way for diplomacy. Their speeches at Paphos General Hospital, just kilometers from the conflict zone, reinforced the call for peace.
The Joint Declaration underscored the grave concern over the crisis in Lebanon and emphasized that halting hostilities is the only path to sustainable peace. The nine countries support ongoing ceasefire efforts by the United States, France, and the UN, calling for the immediate implementation of Security Council Resolution 2735. They also stressed the importance of humanitarian aid to Gaza, the sovereignty of Israel and Lebanon, and continued support for the Palestinian Authority and Lebanon.
The positive atmosphere among participants, symbolized by the warm greetings exchanged between President Christodoulides and King Abdullah, sent a strong message of solidarity in tackling common challenges, such as the risk of a regional war. Cyprus and Jordan, both with strong ties to Arab and Western nations, reaffirmed their roles as pillars of security and stability.
After the summit, President Christodoulides expressed gratitude to the leaders for their presence, acknowledging the lengthy trips taken by some. He also highlighted Jordan's crucial participation, noting that the EU has a key role to play in stabilizing the Middle East, a region directly impacting Europe.
During the first session, King Abdullah outlined the latest developments in the region. President Christodoulides emphasized Cyprus’ contribution, particularly through the "Amalthea" sea corridor, which has proven to be a reliable route for humanitarian aid. He reaffirmed Cyprus’ commitment to assisting in evacuations from the region, showcasing the island’s role as a stabilizing force.
The second session, following the departure of King Abdullah, focused on Mediterranean priorities within the EU’s strategic agenda for 2024-2029. Key topics included migration, climate change, and competitiveness. President Christodoulides highlighted the reactivation of Cyprus' Eastern Mediterranean initiative, stressing its relevance in upcoming EU Council meetings.
While not a primary focus, President Christodoulides briefed attendees on the Cyprus issue, ahead of an informal trilateral meeting in New York on October 15. Marking the 50th anniversary of Turkey's invasion, he thanked his colleagues for including language in the Paphos declaration that reflects the continued occupation of EU territory. The speech reaffirmed the international community’s support for a comprehensive solution based on UN resolutions and EU principles.
On the Syria issue, leaders held an extensive discussion on re-designating safe areas to facilitate the return of irregular migrants. A four-party meeting with Jordan, Cyprus, Italy, and the European Commission highlighted the urgent need to address rising migration flows and promote voluntary returns, a topic that will continue to shape EU-level policies.
