During a dinner consisting of Cypriot salad, lamb, and halloumi ravioli, leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz discussed the economic impact of the Iran conflict, leaving without clear solutions.
“It was just an assessment on the topic,” Romanian President Nicușor Dan stated regarding the Strait of Hormuz talks, where oil tankers are trapped amidst a U.S.-Iran standoff. Despite this, “it was a good discussion on the Middle East situation and energy implications.”
Leaders mingled, forming informal groups as they walked to dinner. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged with Macron; European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa paired off, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni conversed with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas with Dutch PM Rob Jetten.
If they glanced outside from their seaside retreat, they would confront the summit’s tense timing for Cyprus, under drone attack and airspace closure due to escalating conflict.
Special forces patrolled the coast in boats with machine guns. The naval support included the British destroyer HMS Dragon.
‘We are too close’
The Cypriot capital’s lack of foreign visitors is evident, with closed restaurants and shops.
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