<h6><strong>Ane Barcos</strong></h6> <h4><strong>The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, has convened a videoconference with EU foreign ministers for this Tuesday to address the crisis in the Middle East following the recent escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran.</strong></h4> "In view of the seriousness of the situation in the Middle East, the High Representative has convened this videoconference meeting with the EU foreign ministers," a European Commission spokesperson confirmed on Monday. She specified that the main objective is to exchange views, coordinate diplomatic efforts with both Tel Aviv and Tehran, and discuss possible next steps. The spokesperson emphasized that Kallas "is firmly committed to regional security and the de-escalation of the conflict" and that she will continue to actively participate in all diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions. She also reiterated that the only way to resolve the issue of Iran's nuclear program is "through a negotiated agreement." In a statement issued last Saturday, the European Union's top diplomat expressed that the European Union is "closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East" and expressed its "deepest concern at the dangerous escalation that threatens to destabilize the region" following the Israeli attacks on Iran and the Iranian response. Kallas reaffirmed her "firm commitment to regional security, including the security of the State of Israel" and called on all parties to "comply with international law, show restraint, and refrain from taking steps that could have serious consequences, such as a possible radioactive release." Regarding the possibility that Tuesday's meeting might address the review of the Association Agreement with Israel, and in particular whether compliance with Article 2 would be assessed, the EU spokesperson emphasized that the focus of the meeting "is exclusively on the situation between Iran and Israel." He added that, although the High Representative has mentioned a timeline for reviewing this issue on previous occasions, for the time being, "there is no public agenda" for future meetings. In his words, "we should not prejudge" the topics that may be discussed later, since "the official announcement of the agenda must come from the Council itself."
