During the EU leaders' video conference of 19 August 2020, the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and relations with Turkey were raised by some member states.

The leaders expressed their concern about the growing tensions and stressed the urgent need to de-escalate. The members of the European Council expressed their full solidarity with Greece and Cyprus and recalled and reaffirmed previous conclusions on the drilling activities.

"We agreed to come back to these issues during our meeting in September. All options will be on the table", said Charles Michel, President of the European Council.

On 15 and 16 September, President Charles Michel travelled to Greece, Cyprus and Malta as part of the preparations for the summit discussions. He also had several phone calls with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. (ILKHA)