On Tuesday 8 October, MEPs called on the European Union to play a greater role in resolving the situation in the Middle East.
Željana Zovko (EPP, Croatian) believes that “we need to talk about the concrete impact of our initiatives (...), it is crucial that the peoples of the Middle East continue to have confidence in the EU’s ability to offer coherent and effective aid in the face of instability”.
“The EU must play its full role, even if it is difficult. EU nationals must be repatriated, a ceasefire must be called for, hostages must be released and more humanitarian aid must be sent. (...) The EU must make its voice heard to achieve a peaceful solution”, added Hilde Vautmans (Renew Europe, Belgian).
These comments echo those of Yannis Maniatis (S&D, Greek) and Alberico Gambino (ECR, Italian). The former called for a “viable, lasting” solution for peace “based on UN resolutions and two states”. “We cannot allow extremists on either side to let the region plunge into violence”, he stressed.
The latter promoted cooperation between the Union, the United Nations and the players involved. “We must continue to support the two-state solution through diplomacy”, added Mr Gambino, pointing out that the future of the region depended on the choices made today.
Villy Søvndal (Greens/EFA, Danish) stressed the need to increase pressure on Hamas, Hezbollah and the Israeli government. “They are all standing in the way of peace at the moment, and we have to get out of this vicious circle”, he explained. He called for a halt to purchases of products from the “occupied zones” and the suspension of part of the association agreement with Israel.
“The EU must act, suspend trade relations and introduce sanctions. (...) It cannot be complicit in delivering arms to Israel. Europe must stop this diplomatic protection of genocide”, added Lynn Boylan (The Left, Irish).
Sebastiaan Stöteler (PfE, Dutch) felt that Israel deserved the same support as Ukraine. “There was no call for a ceasefire when Russia invaded Ukraine and the European Commission flew the colours of Ukraine. Israel deserves the same kind of reaction and support, and Hezbollah must be treated like any other terrorist group”, he stressed.
Opening the debate, EU High Representative Josep Borrell focused on Lebanon. He called for the election of a president, which has been deadlocked for more than two years, support for the Lebanese army, a strengthening of the mandate of the UN mission UNIFIL and, finally, material and humanitarian aid. He asked for clarity on the €1 billion in aid promised by the Commission President in the spring (see EUROPE 13403/1), calling for a timetable for the disbursement of support.
Mr Borrell believes that this is the “moment of truth”. “Are we really capable of helping Lebanon?”, he asked, pointing out that it was above all up to Lebanese politicians to face their responsibilities. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)