On 13 July 2026, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica, in a video message to the Centrist Democrat International General Assembly, outlined recent EU diplomatic achievements in the Middle East and called for adequate funding in the upcoming EU long-term budget negotiations to sustain external action. Šuica stressed that instability in the region directly affects the EU through energy access, food prices, and migration, and urged deepening relations with Gulf partners while maintaining a Strait of Hormuz free from coercive measures in line with international law.
Šuica reported that during her mission to the Holy Land, Israeli representatives signalled openness for the EU and its partners to initiate two early recovery interventions in Gaza: one on solid waste management and another on water and sanitation. She also noted that EU diplomatic work in Egypt contributed to the dissolution of the Hamas-backed government in Gaza, paving the way for the new National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. These steps, she argued, are concrete progress toward a peaceful, just, and lasting solution. The speech contained no new numerical targets, deadlines, or detailed policy proposals beyond the announced interventions, and largely reiterated existing EU positions. Šuica framed the achievements as laying groundwork for peace but warned that success depends on appropriate funding for European external action in the upcoming EU long-term budget negotiations. She also referenced the Pact for the Mediterranean, which aims to foster prosperity through renewable energy projects and other initiatives, as complementary to peacebuilding efforts.
The speech's policy orientation is conciliatory and cooperative, emphasising dialogue and partnership with all parties, including Iran and Israel. It does not shift the status quo toward a more assertive stance but rather reaffirms the EU's role as a diplomatic facilitator. The main concrete proposal is the two early recovery interventions in Gaza, which are already in motion. The call for budget support is a general appeal without specific figures. Stakeholder impact is moderate: EU taxpayers may face increased budget allocations for external action; EU diplomatic services gain a reinforced mandate; Palestinian civilians in Gaza could benefit from improved sanitation and waste management; and Gulf partners see a reaffirmed EU commitment to cooperation. No significant negative impacts are identified, though the lack of detail on budget implications leaves uncertainty for member states.
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