Ashraf AboArafe
Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, represented the European Union at the High-Level Conference on the Question of Palestine and the Two-State Solution, where she actively contributed to shaping a comprehensive vision for peace in the region.
On the sidelines of the conference, Commissioner Šuica held key meetings with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres; Dr. Estephan Salameh, Palestinian Minister for Planning and International Cooperation; and Florian Hahn, German State Minister at the Foreign Office.
In a pivotal moment, Commissioner Šuica co-chaired the High-Level Working Group on the Peace Day Effort alongside Arab League partners. There, she unveiled the EU’s forward-looking “Day After” plan for peace and stability post-agreement. This plan is built around three strategic pillars:
- A phased, conditional, and multidimensional Peace Supporting Package.
- The creation of a regional security architecture to deter future threats, uphold sovereignty, and ensure compliance with international law.
- A follow-up mechanism through the Global Alliance to implement the Two-State Solution.
Commissioner Šuica expressed deep appreciation to Secretary-General Guterres for his steadfast commitment to peace in the Middle East. She reaffirmed the EU’s leadership in preparing for post-conflict Palestine, highlighting the establishment of a Palestine Donor Group and the Peace Day initiative.
To support this vision, the Commissioner announced the disbursement of €30 million to UNRWA, completing the EU’s 2025 allocation under the Multiannual Comprehensive Support Programme for Palestine. This funding will help pay the salaries of teachers and medical staff, while discussions on long-term aid delivery solutions remain ongoing.
In discussions with Germany’s State Minister, the Commissioner addressed broader regional dynamics, including Gaza’s reconstruction and investment opportunities for EU companies—emphasizing economic partnerships as a path to mutual prosperity.
Central to the EU’s approach is the revival and reform of the Palestinian Authority, deemed essential for a viable, democratic Palestinian state. Commissioner Šuica engaged with both Israeli and Palestinian representatives on ensuring predictable revenue flows from Israel, implementing reform monitoring via the Donor Group, and reinforcing financial commitments to the region.
Closing the conference, Commissioner Šuica stated:
“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 aid delivery, 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 grounded in international law—bringing together global actors to coordinate post-war reconstruction in Gaza, support Palestinian institutional reform, and advance demilitarisation and hostage releases.
A Two-State solution is not just an option—it is the only way to a just, lasting, and sustainable future.”
