BRUSSELS, March 20, 2026 (WAFA) – The European Union leaders on Thursday urged a moratorium on military strikes on energy and water facilities in the Middle East.

"The European Council calls for de-escalation and maximum restraint, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and full respect of international law by all parties," the leaders of the EU's 27 countries said in written conclusions of a summit in Brussels.

“In this regard, it calls for a moratorium on strikes against energy and water facilities,” they added.

They highlighted “the role of the EU maritime defensive operations EUNAVFOR ASPIDES and EUNAVFOR ATALANTA”, and called for “their reinforcement with more assets, in line with their respective mandates.”

They welcomed “the increased efforts announced by Member States, including through strengthened coordination with partners in the region, to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, once the conditions are met.”

K.F.