MEPs debate on the conclusions adopted by the European Council meeting of 26-27 October 2023 and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for a humanitarian pause. During their meeting, EU heads of state or government assessed the situation in Israel and Gaza, following Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel on 7 October and the subsequent Israeli military response in the Gaza Strip. Russia’s war against Ukraine and the EU’s continued support for the country, the revision of the EU’s 2024-2027 long-term budget and the economic situation in the EU were also discussed by leaders. The progress in negotiations between Council and Parliament on the reform of the asylum and migration system was also on the table. Statement by Charles MICHEL, President of the European Council

Brussels

statement

plenary session

joint debate

MICHEL, Charles (BE)

European Council meeting 26-27 October 2023 (T)

Joint debate - Conclusions of the European Council and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for a humanitarian pause: Statement by Charles MICHEL, President of the European Council

SOUNDBITE (French), Charles MICHEL, President of the European Council , Thank you very much, President, for giving me the opportunity to be owed to react to this state. I have to go to a meeting on Gaza in Paris tomorrow. I think we have a shame that the European Council is determined to assume its responsibility in line with the treaties. What we have seen is a dramatic escalation. A lot of people have said that, rightfully so.

SOUNDBITE (French), Charles MICHEL, President of the European Council , Since the 7th of October, we have seen some very poignant, very painful images. This terrorist attack perpetrated by Hamas against the Israeli people, we have seen people's lives who are shattered, families who are broken, these hostages who have been taken. And then since this attack, we have also seen civilians in Gaza, women, children who have been killed by this war, which was unleashed by Hamas's terrorist actions. So, once again, there is and desperation in this area of the world.

SOUNDBITE (French), Charles MICHEL, President of the European Council , As echoed by a lot of parliamentarians, I believe the EU has a particular responsibility. When we look at our history, our foundation was based on disaster in the past century, marked by the blood that was spilled in Europe, the brutality, and from these two wars that stained our continent, we have this vision of rebuilding together to creating a space for peace and prosperity and security.

SOUNDBITE (French), Charles MICHEL, President of the European Council , And I will say this again. This is very important that we have safety and security, but it has to be more than that. There has to be peace. And that only comes from major political efforts. And that is why the European Council on three different occasions has made solemn declarations to affirm Israel's right to defend itself, has firmly condemned the terrible attack from Hamas.

SOUNDBITE (French), Charles MICHEL, President of the European Council , But we do not accept double standards in the European Council. There are universal values and protecting the lives of civilians has to be something that is done everywhere all the time, not just based on short term interests. If we really want to maintain our moral authority, responsibility, if we want to maintain the of others in us, as the EU, we need to be consistent. We need to be coherent.

SOUNDBITE (French), Charles MICHEL, President of the European Council , We see that others are using the attack and suspicion of double standards. So, you are right, we the Member States, the Council, we have a responsibility based on the treaties in these subjects. We need to be very much committed when it comes to humanitarian assistance. There will be many of us in the summit in Paris to look at specific actions. I was talking to Benjamin Netanyahu to plead with him, to talk to him, to encourage these humanitarian pauses, these humanitarian corridors. I have talked to different leaders in the Arab world to say that we are very committed to this subject.

SOUNDBITE (French), Charles MICHEL, President of the European Council , We need to deliver results as soon as possible. There are so many civilian lives that are in danger. If we cannot change the course of events, our political activity, and we see that there is resistance, but that's not why we should renounce this. We need to be completely focussed on peace on the two state solution. We have Israel's legitimate right, but also of the Palestinians as well, to have a more optimistic future based on this two state solution.

SOUNDBITE (French), Charles MICHEL, President of the European Council , We are completely determined. We are committed. We will continue to work with all of the goodwill possible to make sure that EU can live up to its responsibilities and we should be a purveyor of peace. It is built into our DNA as the EU.

SOUNDBITE (French), Charles MICHEL, President of the European Council , There were some questions on the European budget as well. I have had those messages. It is always difficult as it is in Member States at a national level. At an EU level we understand the responsibilities. There was a serious discussion and debate on the budget and we will continue to very meticulously and seriously work through that to identify what the priorities are, that we will identify for the second half of our institutional cycle, how that will be financed.

SOUNDBITE (French), Charles MICHEL, President of the European Council , And of course we will continue that institutional work with Parliament. I am very pleased that we have this institutional cooperation as we have had from the start. So, that we can finance ambitions and our objectives. So, thank you very much for your comments and thank you all.