Only one day after the European Parliament's questioning of EU attitude and its inability to develop an effective and genuine foreign policy, EU Heads of State and Government have called on all parties to show restraint and avoid furtherviolence, and begin an orderly transition to a broad based government. In their declaration, member states has also given instructions to High Representative Ashton regarding actions to be adopted.

Despite some differences in their respective approaches to the situation created in the Middle East and Egypt in particular, member states' leader have affirmed in a joint Council declaration on Egypt and the region that any attempt to restrict the free flow of information, including aggression and intimidation directed against journalists and human rights defenders, is completely unacceptable.

In its declaration, the European Council emphasises that the citizens' democratic aspirations should be addressed through dialogue and political reform with full respect to human rights and fundamental freedoms, and through free and fair elections. For that purpose, the European Union called on all parties to engage in a meaningful dialogue to that end.

Heads of State and Government reiterated the demands formerly expressed by foreign affairs ministers in relation to events in Egypt as well as the European Commission position and support to the transition process towards democracy. The European Union shows its willingness to provide all necessary support for these processes to take place and ensure stability in the region.

European Parliament's critical voice on EU foreign policy

After a debate in plenary session with EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia and the situation in Egypt, the European Parliament approved on 3 February a resolution expressing its solidarity with the Tunisian people, condemning the repressive measures and disproportionate force used by the security forces.

MEPs emphasise the urgent need to review the EU's Neighbourhood Policy and to revise the democracy and human rights support policy so as to create an implementation mechanism for the human rights clause in all agreements with third countries.