MEPs debate the US-Israel military operation against Iran, its consequences and the need to support Iranians, as well as expectations for the 19-20 March EU summit.

President Roberta Metsola said that the events unfolding in Iran must not lead to a spiral of escalation that could threaten the Middle East, Europe and beyond, on the day the first US-Israeli strikes were launched on 28 February. As the United States and Israeli air strikes in Iran are ongoing, and Iran continues to respond with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and other countries in the region with links to the US, MEPs will discuss the latest developments on Wednesday morning.

Debate on the 19-20 March summit

MEPs also outline their demands for the upcoming EU summit. They are expected to build on the sense of urgency expressed at the informal competitiveness retreat of EU leaders on 12 February 2026, where Commission President Ursula von der Leyen committed to a “One Europe, one market” roadmap aimed at completing the single market and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness. MEPs will also discuss the role of the EU’s next long-term budget (the 2028–2034 multiannual financial framework) as a driver of competitiveness, alongside European defence and security priorities.

The debate is also set to address Europe’s ongoing efforts to secure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, and measures to manage migration flows and reinforce external border protection.

EP Plenary debate on the situation in the Middle East and the 19-20 March EU summit

Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade, Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency and by Marilena RAOUNA, Cypriot Deputy Minister for European Affairs, close the debate on the US-Israel military operation against Iran, its consequences and the need to support Iranians, as well as on the expectations for the 19-20 March EU summit.

EUCO and situation in the Middle East: closing statements by Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ, European Commissioner for Trade, Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency and by Marilena RAOUNA, Cypriot Deputy Minister for European Affairs

EP Plenary Session - EUCO and situation in the Middle East

MEPs debate the US-Israel military operation against Iran, its consequences and the need to support Iranians, as well as expectations for the 19-20 March EU summit. As the United States and Israeli air strikes in Iran are ongoing, and Iran continues to respond with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and other countries in the region with links to the US, MEPs discuss the latest developments. MEPs also outline their demands for the upcoming EU summit. They build on the sense of urgency expressed at the informal competitiveness retreat of EU leaders on 12 February 2026, where Commission President Ursula von der Leyen committed to a “One Europe, one market” roadmap aimed at completing the single market and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness. MEPs also discuss the role of the EU’s next long-term budget (the 2028–2034 multiannual financial framework) as a driver of competitiveness, alongside European defence and security priorities.

EUCO and situation in the Middle East: MEPs debate (part 3)

EUCO and situation in the Middle East: MEPs debate (part 2)

EUCO and situation in the Middle East: MEPs debate (part 1)

Marilena RAOUNA, Cypriot Deputy Minister for European Affairs, opens the debate on the US-Israel military operation against Iran, its consequences and the need to support Iranians, as well as on the expectations for the 19-20 March EU summit. This transcription if the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

EUCO and situation in the Middle East: opening statement by Marilena RAOUNA, Cypriot Deputy Minister for European Affairs

This news items shows extracts from the debate on the US-Israel military operation against Iran, its consequences and the need to support Iranians, as well as expectations for the 19-20 March EU summit. MEPs discuss the latest developments as the United States and Israeli air strikes in Iran are ongoing, and Iran continues to respond with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and other countries in the region with links to the US. MEPs also outline their demands for the upcoming EU summit.

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