Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The two-day summit of European Union leaders, known as the “Spring Summit,” begins today. The leaders’ discussions will address files related to internal and international issues, including the situation in Gaza and support for Ukraine, in addition to immigration, enlargement, European defense, and economic files that will be at the Euro Summit tomorrow, Friday.
European Union Council President Charles Michel sent a letter of invitation to the leaders of member states to attend the summit scheduled in Brussels on Thursday and Friday. The letter, which sheds light on the most prominent points of the summit’s agenda, stated: “In the third year of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, we are facing a pivotal moment. The urgency, intensity and determination that... Unwavering is imperative. Our first task is to provide rapid military aid to Ukraine, building on recent initiatives such as the Czech one, and rapidly procuring and delivering ammunition to Ukraine. This European Council will be an opportunity to strengthen and accelerate these efforts. In addition, we must focus on Effectively implement and enforce our sanctions, as well as strengthen our efforts regarding the use of windfall profits from frozen assets.
This is also the time for a real paradigm shift with regard to our security and defence. For decades, Europe has not invested enough in its security and defence. Now that we are facing the greatest security threat since World War II, it is time to take radical and concrete steps to prepare for defense and put the EU economy on a “war footing.” This means spending more, buying jointly and therefore more efficiently. We must also help the defense industry access private and public funds, and reduce regulatory burdens and barriers. Building this strategic security mindset requires strong leadership and a deep understanding of the urgency of the threats we face. I expect our European Council to commit to this.
It is necessary to address the situation in the Middle East. The atrocities committed in the October 7 attacks and the ensuing war in Gaza have crossed the brink of inhumanity. Too many civilians have died. Many innocent lives are at risk due to the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and the raging famine. International law must be fully respected. A sustainable ceasefire is urgently needed to protect civilians, allow hostages to return safely and ensure humanitarian aid can be delivered as needed. Our efforts to prevent regional escalation need to be intensified, especially in Lebanon and the Red Sea. Ultimately, the European Union remains committed to reaching a just and comprehensive solution between Israelis and Palestinians, where the State of Israel and a democratic, sovereign and viable State of Palestine live side by side in peace, security and mutual recognition.
Our attention will also focus on agriculture. Our European farmers have expressed their concerns loud and clear. We must act decisively on the challenges they face. This means taking stock of the work done so far and ensuring progress is made without delay, especially with regard to the position of farmers in the food supply chain and fair competition, both within the internal market and globally.
I also suggest that we evaluate preparations for enlargement and reforms, bearing in mind that the two tracks need to proceed in parallel to ensure that future Member States and the EU are ready by the time of accession.
We will also review the current migration situation and address various external relations issues.
At the Euro Summit on Friday, the Presidents of the European Central Bank and Eurogroup will join us to discuss the economic and financial situation and the continued close coordination and governance of our macroeconomic policies. It is time to reaffirm our strong determination to make decisive progress towards a deeper union of capital markets, building on the measures set out by the Eurogroup in a comprehensive format.
According to European media reports, including those issued in Spain, Gaza will occupy a large part of the discussions, and Spanish government sources highlight the importance of leaders addressing this issue, which Prime Minister Sanchez will defend, pending agreement on the results, about the existence of a call for a cessation of hostilities. Whether in the form of a ceasefire or a humanitarian ceasefire, to be able to serve the citizens of the Strip.
Spain welcomes the sea corridor being launched, but calls for the importance of opening land corridors as well so that humanitarian aid can reach Gaza. Adding that it is necessary for the European Union to take a position on the announced Israeli ground attack on Rafah, and to try to prevent it from occurring by all means, as they warned that it may have unimaginable consequences. At the same time, they defend continued support for the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees ( UNRWA, considering that it is the only organization that has a real capacity on the ground to distribute humanitarian aid effectively, quickly and urgently to the international community.
This is the position that Sanchez will take before the European Council, along with his commitment to a political process to achieve a two-state solution, Israel and Palestine, which Spain also wants to include in the summit outcomes.
  She reiterated her conviction that the summit, which begins today, Thursday, will prove that many countries are moving towards the Spanish position regarding the situation in Gaza, partly due to the humanitarian catastrophe. In the sector but also due to pressure from Spain in Brussels.
Regarding Ukraine, the Spanish Government continues to highlight the need to maintain unity to support this country in the face of Russian aggression and to do so with urgency, and also stresses that this summit will demonstrate that the European Union renews this commitment against those who believe it is capable of doing so.