Media: Middle East crisis to dominate EU Cyprus summit

The situation in the Middle East is expected to become the dominant topic at an informal European Union summit due to take place in Cyprus in two weeks’ time, pushing issues such as the bloc’s budget and economic competitiveness into the background, Politico writes.

The outlet reports that around ten items have been placed on the agenda, but officials acknowledge it is unlikely that all of them will be discussed in detail. EU representatives say a significant portion of the summit will be devoted to the escalating crisis in the Middle East.

Against the backdrop of the unfolding tensions, all EU member states have reportedly ruled out participation in US-led military actions against Iran. In response, US President Donald Trump criticised European allies, describing them as “cowards” and referring to NATO as a “paper tiger”.

By Aghakazim Guliyev