EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has intervened over Turkey’s plans to construct a pipeline linking Turkey to the occupied areas of Cyprus. Following the conclusion of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, the EU High Representative stressed that the Union expects Ankara to respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of all its member states.
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As Kallas stated, “regarding the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus raised the issue of Turkey’s plans for a natural gas pipeline connected to the island. The European Union expects Ankara to respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of all EU member states.” On the Middle East, she emphasized that the EU is prioritizing the protection of freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, while reiterating that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons.
Kallas on Operation ASPIDES: The Houthi threat continues to persist
Kallas also announced that she will personally inspect Operation ASPIDES this coming Thursday, visiting the Italian vessel assigned to the mission. She underscored the critical importance of the European naval operation for maritime security and countering the ongoing Houthi threat. “The threat from the Houthis continues to persist, and Operation ASPIDES continues to make a meaningful contribution to protecting international shipping,” she stated.
Regarding talks with representatives from Gulf countries who participated in the Middle East discussions, Kallas noted that “ministers were clear that freedom of navigation must be guaranteed and that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons. The EU is seeking closer ties with Gulf countries.”
Finally, Kallas confirmed that all 27 EU member states agree that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law. She recalled that the European Commission, at the request of the European Council, had presented options for further tightening trade restrictions with settlements, noting that “taking action on trade with settlements received the greatest support from member states. We have tasked ambassadors with advancing this work, and an extraordinary meeting on the issue is also likely to take place.”
