European Leaders Discuss Middle East Energy Crisis in Cyprus

European leaders will convene in Cyprus on March 23rd local time to discuss the energy crisis in the Middle East and potential common defense cooperation measures within the European Union (EU). The EU summit is scheduled for March 23rd and 24th local time in Ayia Napa, Cyprus.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also expected to attend the meeting and plans to convey his thanks for the approval of a €90 billion (approximately 156 trillion Korean won) loan package. The EU's loan support for Ukraine received final approval after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán withdrew his veto, and the 20th package of sanctions against Russia has also taken effect.

Discussions at the summit will focus on countermeasures to the energy crisis resulting from the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East, as well as practical guidelines for Article 42(7) of the EU Treaty, championed by Cyprus. Article 42(7) of the EU Treaty stipulates that if a member state is subjected to armed aggression, other member states shall provide assistance and aid by all means at their disposal. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, is expected to brief the leaders on this provision and discuss concrete directives.