Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
European Union Council President Charles Michel said that the summit of leaders of member states that begins today, Thursday, comes at a time characterized by a great deal of instability and insecurity at the global level, which has worsened recently due to developments in the Middle East. These developments require our immediate attention, without distracting from our continued support for Ukraine. Our responsibility is to remain united and cohesive and to act in line with our values enshrined in the Treaties.
The European Union leaders' summit will begin at three o'clock this afternoon, Brussels time
In the invitation letter sent by Michel to the leaders of the Union countries to attend the summit, the President of the Union said:
I would like to invite you to attend the October European Council meeting in Brussels, which starts on Thursday afternoon as well as the Euro summit meeting the following day.
Regarding the agenda of the meetings, he said that the situation in the Middle East is a tragedy. We expressed our common position in our statement issued on 15 October. I expect us at our meeting to once again condemn in the strongest possible terms the brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks launched by Hamas against Israel, and to recognize Israel's right to defend itself, in line with international law and international humanitarian law. We will also reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
The deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza remains a serious concern. We must discuss, first, how to ensure effective delivery of humanitarian aid and urgent access to basic needs. Second, we must engage, on a united and cohesive front, with partners to avoid a dangerous regional escalation of the conflict. Moreover, relaunching the peace process based on the two-state solution is the only way forward. Finally, we should address the impacts of this conflict in the European Union – and this includes considering its implications for the cohesion of our societies, security and migration movements.
Regarding Ukraine, we will continue our steadfast support for as long as it takes. Among the various aspects of our assistance, I would like us to address in particular ways to accelerate the provision of military support, advance our plans on the use of frozen Russian assets, and intensify our diplomatic contacts to ensure the broadest international support for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.
Our meeting will also be an opportunity to provide guidance on the review of the Multiannual Financial Framework, with the aim of quickly reaching agreement. Following the principle that nothing is agreed upon until everything is agreed upon, we must take a critical look at our most pressing needs, identify our priorities and decide how to finance them.
We will also continue our discussion on our economy and competitiveness. I would like us to discuss the measures that must be taken to ensure our long-term prosperity. The EU's competitiveness has always flourished thanks to an open market economy with the single market at its core. We must now collectively position ourselves in a world where other international actors and partners are significantly subsidizing their industries and companies.
We will follow up on the important issue of migration, and evaluate the steps taken since our last discussion in Granada.
We will also cover other foreign policy issues of interest – including the situation in the Sahel, relations between Pristina and Belgrade, and the South Caucasus.
At the Euro Summit, the Presidents of the European Central Bank and Eurogroup will join us to discuss the economic and financial situation, and continue close coordination and management of our macroeconomic policies. We will also review progress on the Capital Markets Union and Banking Union, as well as the work launched on a digital euro. I conclude by saying that I look forward to seeing you in what I hope will be a very productive meeting.