Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The current rotating Belgian presidency of the European Union said in a statement issued yesterday evening in Brussels following a meeting of development ministers from the EU countries that the agenda of the meeting included an evaluation of international cooperation and the European Union’s development policy in the mid-term of the current European Union budget (Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027), Support for Ukraine, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The meeting was hosted by Belgium's Minister for Development Cooperation and Major Cities, Caroline Jenes, and chaired by the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.
The ministers met in an informal setting, allowing for an open and frank discussion. The EU Mid-Term Review of Development Cooperation and International Solidarity was an ideal opportunity for a more in-depth discussion on the effectiveness and future of Europe's development policies, and their alignment with other EU external policy initiatives, such as the Global Gateway.
The reflections of Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Minister Jenes' briefing on Team Europe's mission to the African Union and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on global health a week ago were a useful guide. "The world is grappling with increasing conflicts and unrest. The call for greater social equity and justice is ringing louder than ever before. The way we conduct our international cooperation must reflect this. It is crucial that The European Union continues to have a strong focus on social welfare and human development. But we must also strengthen our commitment to our shared values – democracy, human rights, and the rule of law – and apply them more consistently in our approach to development cooperation. This is where our strength lies “Our partner countries have the power to choose who they work with – but they can't choose when it comes to human rights,” Minister Guinness said.
The informal meeting discussed the latest developments regarding support for Ukraine. Ministers and Ministers of State welcomed the approval of the additional aid package for Ukraine, as the ongoing war continues to seriously impact Ukraine's education and healthcare systems, and the daily lives of its citizens.
During the lunch, the Ministers and Ministers of State were joined by the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini. He provided a detailed description of the situation on the ground in Gaza and addressed the Israeli government's recent accusations against the agency regarding the involvement of some UNRWA employees in the horrific October 7 attacks, and the alleged existence of tunnels used by terrorists. Hamas movement near its headquarters.
Commissioner General Lazzarini also answered questions about the status of ongoing investigations, the way forward, and how screening and risk mitigation procedures will be strengthened in the future. All Member States agreed that absolute transparency was required from all parties concerned. The credibility of the agency, the United Nations system, and the entire rules-based international order it supports is at stake.
All Member States also expressed their deep concern about the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Since October 7, more than 27,000 people have been killed, most of them women and children, more than 67,000 have been injured, and hundreds of thousands face hunger and despair. They also expressed grave concern about the humanitarian impact of the impending attack in Rafah, where more than 1.4 million people have taken refuge, with nowhere else to go. A military campaign in such a densely populated area can only lead to large numbers of civilian casualties.
All Member States stressed the need for more humanitarian aid to reach the people of Gaza immediately, in a safe and unrestricted manner. that all hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally; Humanitarian and internal law must be respected at all times by all parties.