Somalia and Saudi Arabia to boost defence cooperation

The leaders of the 27 member states of the European Union met in Brussels on Thursday, 19 March 2026, to discuss the current global situation, and, in particular, the crisis in the Gulf, and the wider Middle East. EU leaders adopted conclusions on Ukraine, the Middle East, competitiveness and the single market, European defence and security, migration, multilateralism, strengthening Europe's democratic resilience, protecting children online, the EU's eastern regions and Dniester river. The leaders also met UN Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss the geopolitical situation and multilateralism. In their decision the EU leaders said, "Developments in Iran and the wider region threaten regional and global security. 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, including the principles of the United Nations Charter and international humanitarian law. In this regard, it calls for a moratorium on strikes against energy and water facilities." The statement adds, "The European Union will continue to protect its security and interests, working with regional and global partners to counter the impact of the ongoing hostilities. The European Union and its Member States are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of EU citizens in the region, including by providing conditions for their safe departure." (Click the image above to read more).