MEPs assess with the Commission and the Hungarian Presidency the latest developments in the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East. Ahead of the summit of the Heads of State or Government in Brussels on 17-18 October, plenary discuss how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russian aggression, and the EU’s response to the latest events in the Middle East, where Israeli forces continue their attacks on Gaza and have intensified their actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon. in Lebanon, while Iran has launched missiles against Israel. At their meeting, EU leaders will also focus on making the European economy more competitive, improving the competitiveness of the European economy, following the publication of Mario Draghi’s report calling for a boost of public investment and wide-ranging economic reforms., and on ways to manage migration flows and ensure border protection.

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

European Council meeting 17-18 October 2024 (T)

Preparation of the European Council of 17-18 October 2024: extracts from the debate

Exterior shot of the European Parliament in Strasbourg

SOUNDBITE (English), J&aacute;nos B&Oacute;KA, Minister for European Union Affairs of Hungary, The war in Gaza has now lasted for over a year and has resulted in a humanitarian catastrophe. The recent escalation of violence in Lebanon, and now the escalation with Iran, demonstrate how crucial it is to find a sustainable solution for security and stability in the region.

SOUNDBITE (English), J&aacute;nos B&Oacute;KA, Minister for European Union Affairs of Hungary, The reports by Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi will, of course, feed into leaders discussions. These reports identify several challenges spanning demographics, technology, economics and international relations that demand urgent, innovative and effective political responses. Next week's stocktake will in particular contribute to the preparations for the informal European Council meeting in Budapest on the 8th of November, hosted by the Hungarian presidency, where our goal is to adopt the Budapest Declaration on the New European Competitiveness Deal.

SOUNDBITE (English), Maro&scaron;, &Scaron;EFČOVIČ, Executive Vice-President of the EC in charge of the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, Europe cannot afford to fall behind its competitors and lose its competitive edge. We need to make business easier and invest in our sustainable competitiveness. Indeed, the only way to ensure our long term competitiveness is to move to a clean and circular economy

SOUNDBITE (English), Maro&scaron;, &Scaron;EFČOVIČ, Executive Vice-President of the EC in charge of the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, The EU remains unwavering in its support for Ukraine and its people for as long as necessary. It is important we now seek swift agreement on our proposals for macro financial assistance. Loan of up to &euro;35 billion. As part of a pledge made by G7 in June. It is imperative the funds are released by the end of this year to ensure Ukraine has the fiscal space, fiscal space it needs. At the same time, we are working to ensure that the country is fully prepared for the winter ahead.

SOUNDBITE (English), Maro&scaron;, &Scaron;EFČOVIČ, Executive Vice-President of the EC in charge of the European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, We reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, for the unconditional release of all hostages and for an end to the conflict.

SOUNDBITE (English), Siegfried MUREŞAN, (EPP, RO), Internal and external security are linked with a strong competitive economy and security. I also linked because the private sector will only invest in the economy. It will only make the economy stronger if they feel safe in Europe. And for us to be able to provide safety to the citizens. We will need a stronger economy, contributing more to the public budgets, because we have to tell people honestly, the security and the defence of Europe will cost more in the, in the next years.

SOUNDBITE (Spanish), Iratxe GARC&Iacute;A P&Eacute;REZ (S&amp;D, ES), S&amp;D Group leader, How much destruction must be witnessed before we see the birth of a Palestinian state as the only solution to achieve peace, security and progress in the Middle East? Ladies and gentlemen, just as at the time of our founders, it's the time to recast the European Union, a recast that can only be based on the principles and foundations that are the best combination of political freedom, economic prosperity, and social cohesion that humanity has ever seen.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), Carlo FIDANZA, (ECR, IT), We want to try to, send more people back if they come in illegally. We want agreements with third countries. We want asylum centres in non EU, third countries. This is definitely the correct solution and we hope that we will continue to work towards that end.

SOUNDBITE (French), Val&eacute;rie HAYER, (Renew, FR), Ukraine continues to count on our support. That support has to rise to the occasion of the geo political challenge. So, yes, we can deliver, weapons. Yes, we can have a macro financial plan. Yes, we can have a powerful Europe that can defend its interest. Yes. To mobilising, the, frozen Russian assets to help with the reconstruction of Ukraine. But Europe must not stop at our borders.

SOUNDBITE (English), Bas EICKHOUT, (Greens/EFA, NL), Yes, we want a ceasefire, but we need clear words. We need a credible European Union. And we don't have that at this moment. Double standards. We see that in migration, double standards and vague words. We see that on competitiveness. And I think that want to close with that one because Draghi made very clear we need decarbonisation and economic competitiveness together. And it is an urgency.