The European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, called on the EU to play a greater role in the Middle East, on Saturday 15 February.
“In the current geopolitical context, with the Middle East in a state of flux, the EU has an opportunity to help shape a region of vital importance in terms of geopolitical positioning, security, stability and economic cooperation. The EU must play an active role alongside other global players who are already taking a firm stand at the negotiating table”, she stressed in a press release issued on the occasion of her participation in the Munich conference.
According to the statement, the EU's commitment is both a moral duty and a strategic necessity.
During her visit to Rafah, Iratxe García Pérez, Chairwoman of the S&D Group in the European Parliament, reiterated the need for the EU to participate in the peace process. “The peace process will only be possible if we guarantee dialogue and a permanent ceasefire. Of course, this ceasefire is a first step, but we must continue to work to ensure two-stage solutions”, she explained. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)