At the October 23 summit in Brussels, leaders of the European Union (EU) emphasised their desire to play a more proactive role in the Gaza conflict, even as the primary focus of the meeting remained the war in Ukraine and tensions with Russia.
The bloc, long sidelined in Middle East diplomacy, is now seeking influence over post-ceasefire stability efforts in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, as per AP.
Although the summit was mainly centred on Russia’s aggression and aid to Ukraine, EU leaders used the platform to highlight their frustration at being excluded from the US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza. “It is important that Europe not only watches but plays an active role,” said Luc Frieden, Prime Minister of Luxembourg, as he entered the meeting.
The EU is already the largest provider of aid to the Palestinians and is Israel’s top trading partner, giving the bloc leverage it wants to convert into direct influence. Plans under discussion include joining the transitional “Board of Peace” oversight body for Gaza, expanding participation in the Rafah border mission, and helping implement stability support in the war-torn enclave.
Relations between Israel and the EU have hit historic lows, driven by differing views over the conflict. The EU’s rights to shape mediation and reconstruction efforts in Gaza remain constrained unless it can assert a diplomatic role beyond financing.
Ukraine war and Russia dominate the agenda
Despite the emphasis on Gaza, the summit’s core agenda involved the EU’s response to the ongoing conflict with Russia and how to support the Ukraine in the coming years. Topics included the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, imposing further sanctions on Moscow, and bolstering European defence readiness, according to a Reuters report.
The dual focus of the summit reflects Europe’s attempt to navigate simultaneous crises: securing support for Ukraine’s defence and advancing its relevance in Middle Eastern conflict settlement. Whether the EU can turn its aid muscle into diplomatic clout in Gaza remains to be seen.
