In a letter to EU leaders on Sunday (15 March), President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said that the current geopolitical situation risks becoming a protracted conflict with direct and indirect consequences for Europe. While the crisis has not yet led to immediate migration flows toward the EU, she stressed that the bloc must remain vigilant and prepared.
The Commission is monitoring developments through the EU’s Migration Preparedness and Crisis Blueprint Network in cooperation with Member States, EU agencies, and international organisations. Von der Leyen also highlighted the humanitarian impact of the conflict, particularly in Lebanon and Iran, where large numbers of people have been displaced.
The EU plans to provide €100 million in humanitarian assistance to Lebanon this year and continues to support regional partners such as Türkiye, Pakistan, and countries in the Western Balkans in managing migration pressures.
The Commission also warned that migration routes in the Mediterranean remain volatile, with Libya continuing to be the main departure point for irregular arrivals to the EU. EU leaders were urged to accelerate preparations for the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, which will begin applying on 12 June 2026.
“The conflict in the Middle East presents challenges that demand the mobilisation of political, diplomatic and operational tools. It has already led to the internal displacement millions of people, notably in Iran and Lebanon.
While reaffirming our steadfast commitment to de-escalation, safeguarding regional security and stability, we must stand in solidarity with our partners in the region. Although for now, the conflict has not translated into immediate migratory flows towards the EU, what the future holds remains unclear and necessitates the full mobilisation of every migration diplomacy tool we have at our disposal.
It is therefore imperative that we work with countries in the region, such as Türkiye, Lebanon and Pakistan. Over the past days, I have myself spoken to all leaders in the region, and members of the College are in regular contact with their counterparts.”
Source: commonspace.eu with the European Commission
