PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TOURISM Continued conflict in the Middle East poses serious humanitarian, political and security challenges far beyond the region – Deputy Prime Minister Ian B

As he called on the EU to strengthen its ability to unite and deliver in uncertain times, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg warned that prolonged conflict in the Middle East poses serious humanitarian, political and security challenges far beyond the region, including Europe.

On Wednesday, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism addressed a meeting of the Heads of Missions of EU member states in Malta, hosted by the High Commissioner of Cyprus in Malta, Yiorgos Christofides, as part of the Cypriot Presidency of the European Union (EU). Dr Borg commended the Cyprus Presidency for its leadership at a particularly demanding moment, when the Union is required to demonstrate strategic direction, credibility and preparedness.

“The international order is under strain, conflicts are increasingly interconnected, and the cost of misjudgement is rising. In this context, Europe's response must be coherent, principled and capable of shaping events rather than merely reacting to them," Dr Borg stated, as he reminded that ongoing conflicts and other crises are affecting global security, energy markets and economic confidence.

The Maltese Deputy Prime Minister explained that the recent events in the Middle East and the Gulf have reconfirmed that instability in one region reverberates far beyond its borders, and that continued conflict and uncertainty are putting neighbouring areas, including nearby EU states, at risk of serious challenges. In this regard, he emphasised the need to take all possible measures to ensure the safety of civilians affected by this conflict, including European citizens who live, work, and travel across the Gulf.

“Stronger coordination is needed across the board. We cannot afford to be perceived as inconsistent and lacking credibility," Dr Borg encouraged the heads of missions present at the meeting, as he referred to recent EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) cooperation as an effective engagement that reinforces credibility at moments of heightened tension. “We need to build on these diplomatic efforts through sustained international engagement aimed at de-escalation and stability. While the desired outcomes will not come overnight, this engagement remains essential to prevent further regional spillovers and to create space for longer term solutions," Dr Borg added.

Referring to the war in Ukraine, Dr Borg noted that once again, the EU must stand united and preserve shared objectives to ensure that the Ukrainian people have the means to withstand Russia's aggression, while planning for recovery. “Europe's credibility, and Ukraine's future, depend on it," he affirmed.

“Europe faces a demanding agenda, but it also has the tools, the partners and the responsibility to shape outcomes. However, it all depends on all of us acting together and on our ability to deliver on what we agree. Only then can the European Union continue to be a force for stability and cooperation in an increasingly uncertain world," Dr Borg concluded.