The European Council reached a common position calling for “humanitarian pauses” to provide the Palestinian people with the help they need, without forgetting that we must continue to support Ukraine as we are already doing.
The meeting of European leaders in Brussels, which took place on Thursday and Friday, was dominated by the worsening tensions in the Middle East caused by the attack by the Islamist movement Hamas on Israel in early October, which prompted a strong military response of Tel Aviv, with the total siege of the Gaza Strip and continuous bombings.
According to the conclusions published at the end of the meeting, the 27 reaffirm the position taken on the 15th, condemning “in the strongest possible way” the “brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attack” against Israel, as well as the use of citizens as “protects people”, referring to the Palestinian population.
The Council emphasized Israel’s right to defense “in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law.”
The 27 lamented the “loss of civilian lives” and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and came forward with a call for a “humanitarian pause” – the terminology dominated much of the discussion on Thursday – to get aid to the population . that it needs, while the territory has been devastated by the conflict between Hamas and Israel.
Despite the conflict in the Middle East being the topic of the moment, the European Council was keen to show that Ukraine is still present. Therefore, the first subject of the conclusions is devoted to support for the country invaded by Russia.
Similar to what has been expressed in all conclusions since February last year, the European Council reiterated its condemnation of Russia for the large-scale invasion that continues to this day, and pledged “to strengthen the financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and Russia”. its population for as long as necessary”.
In the short term, member states pledged to continue focusing their efforts on supplying ammunition and weapons to help Ukraine defend itself.
In the long term, the EU wants to provide Ukraine with security guarantees, for example by giving the country tools (which are not specified) to prevent the destabilization of the country by external actors.
Regarding Ukraine’s security and the continuation of the EU accession process, leaders referred to the December summit, where it will be possible to make a more detailed assessment of Ukraine’s path.
The Multiannual Financial Framework will also be postponed and leaders agreed to aim for an agreement by the end of the year.
After unanimously condemning the attacks in France and Belgium over the past two weeks, the 27 agreed that it is necessary to work on cooperation between the police of the different countries and to improve security, migration and asylum policies reform to protect the European interests of citizens. considered dangerous.
In order not to leave Europe behind and to increase competitiveness, leaders agreed that it is necessary to go further in the development of green and digital technologies, focusing on innovation, research, education and the provision of skills, and on reducing “critical dependencies” and diversification. of supply chains through other partnerships.
Source: DN
