The High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) continues to pay utmost attention to the developments in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The unity and territorial integrity of Iraq are crucial factors for the stability of the country and a policy priority for the European Union (EU). As the HR/VP has made clear in her exchanges with both parties, the EU encourages ongoing efforts to find a peaceful and negotiated solution to the pending issues between the Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government, within the framework of the Iraqi Constitution.

The new EU Strategy for Iraq, adopted on 22 January 2018, includes a chapter on the resolution of disputes between the Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government; it calls for a constructive dialogue on all outstanding issues across the political, security and economic spectrum.