The Cyprus Presidency on Tuesday convened the second meeting of the Integrated Political Crisis Response (IPCR) mechanism since the start of the current crisis in the Middle East.
The meeting began with a briefing from the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the services of the European Commission on the situation on the ground. Particular emphasis was placed on the humanitarian dimension of the crisis, the impact of the conflict on populations in the region and the support provided to those affected. Reference was also made to the work of EU and member state delegations present in the area.
Subsequently, the EEAS, the Commission and member states presented updated information on the implications of the evolving situation and possible secondary impacts across several areas. Issues discussed included energy supplies and energy prices, migration, transport, foreign information manipulation and the security environment, on which information was also provided by Europol.
Member states also had the opportunity to ask clarifying questions and exchange information, with the aim of ensuring better coordination at EU level.
A representative of the Cyprus Presidency said the Presidency continues to examine developments in Iran and the Middle East in various European fora. These include IPCR meetings held on 3 and 10 March, extraordinary meetings of the COCON on consular issues, as well as discussions at the level of Coreper, the Justice and Home Affairs Council (JHA) and the ECOFIN Council.
The representative added that the Cyprus Presidency remains ready to convene further IPCR meetings if necessary and will continue to facilitate the exchange of information among member states.
The first IPCR meeting following the recent escalation in the region took place on 3 March.
The mechanism has previously been activated in response to several crises, including the war launched by Russia against Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic and the migration crisis.
Cyprus holds the EU Council rotating Presidency for the first half of 2026.
