The S&D Group does not recognise the results of the referendum on independence carried out by the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq on 25 September 2017.

S&D vice-president Victor Boştinaru MEP said:

"We reiterate our steadfast support for Iraq's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. Unilateral actions, such as the vote which took place on 25 September, are contrary to the Iraqi constitution, counterproductive and have potentially profound destabilising effects in an already complex and conflict-ridden regional situation.

"We are convinced that any ongoing differences between Baghdad and Irbil need to be resolved through peaceful dialogue, within the framework of the Iraqi constitution and laws.  The S&D Group welcomes the position of the EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Federica Mogherini, in making the EU available to facilitate such a dialogue if required by the Iraqi government."