Commissioner for Mediterranean Šuica represnts EU at Conference on Two-State Solution

Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, represented the EU at the High-Level Conference on the Question of Palestine and the Two-State Solution.

Commissioner met with António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General; with Dr Estephan Salameh, Palestinian Minister for Planning and International Cooperation and with Florian Hahn, State Minister at the Foreign Office of Germany.

· Commissioner co-chaired the High-Level Working Group on the Peace Day Effort with the Arab League partners where she presented the “the day after” plan for peace and stability, after an agreement between the parties, structured around three pillars:

1. A phased, conditional, and multidimensional Peace Supporting Package.

2. A regional security architecture against future threats, and the respect of sovereignty and international law.

3. A follow-up mechanism via the Global Alliance for the implementation of the Two-State Solution.

· She thanked UNSG Guterres for his tireless efforts for peace and stability in the Middle East. She reminded that the EU is actively shaping the future vision for Palestine after the conflict, including by setting up a Palestine Donor Group and by leading the Peace Day initiative. Commissioner announced the disbursement of €30 million to UNRWA, completing this year’s allocation under the Multiannual Comprehensive Support Programme for Palestine to pay the salaries of their teachers and medical staff, and discussed sustainable solutions for future aid delivery.

· At the margins of the conference, the Commissioner discussed with the German Minister of State the situation in the Middle East, the Gaza reconstruction and investment opportunities for EU companies in the broader region for mutual prosperity.

· A reformed and revitalised Palestinian Authority, as the legitimate governing body of a future Palestinian state is fundamental to reach a sustainable Two-State solution. Commissioner discussed the situation of the Palestinian Authority with both the Israeli and Palestinian representatives, in particular the need for predictable, regular flow of revenues collected by Israel, the implementation of the Multiannual Support Programme and the Palestinian Donor Group as a place to monitor reforms carried out and as well as pledge financial support.

At the end of the conference, Commissioner Šuica said:

“This conference was about turning words into action. We showed that diplomacy and international engagement can have real impact. While advocating for peace, the EU works with international partners to ensure delivery of aid, and help build a viable, democratic, and unified future Palestinian State in peace alongside the State of Israel. This conference has produced an action-oriented roadmap for peace, grounded in international law to bring together global actors to coordinate post-war reconstruction in Gaza, support Palestinian institutional reform, advance the release of hostages and demilitarisation.

A Two-State solution is not just an option, it is the only way to a just, lasting and sustainable future