On Thursday 18 May, MEPs called for a bold and comprehensive peace initiative from the EU to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In a resolution from the Greens/EFA, S&D, ECR, ALDE and EPP groups that was adopted on reaching a solution based on the co-existence of two states in the Middle East, MEPs say that this initiative should aim at reaching tangible results within a given timeframe, as part of the solution based on the co-existence of two states, with an international monitoring and implementation mechanism. In the MEPs' opinion, the EU should use its leverage and existing EU instruments effectively in its relations with the two sides so as to facilitate the peace efforts.
MEPs say that in order to support a real European peace initiative, it is the member states' primary duty to contribute actively to setting out a unified European position and to refrain from taking unilateral initiatives that would weaken the action of the EU. Stating that the member states had adopted a declaration in June 1980 in which they had assumed their responsibility in the peace process, the MEPs call for a new EU declaration to be adopted this June.
In MEPs' view, protecting and preserving the viability of a solution based on the co-existence of two states must be the immediate priority of EU policies and action with regard to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Middle East peace process. The EU must also encourage initiatives likely to contribute to re-establishing trust between political leaders, non-state actors and economic actors, and establish a system of cooperation on concrete issues, the Parliament adds.
For their part, MEPs are not left behind. They propose that an initiative (Parliamentarians for Peace) be launched to bring European, Israeli and Palestinian parliamentarians closer together so as to contribute to advancing peace initiatives and to complement European diplomatic efforts. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)