On the agenda were the stocktaking of the EU’s international cooperation and development policy at mid-term of the current EU budget (2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework), the Ukraine Facility, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The meeting was hosted by the Belgian Minister of Development Cooperation and Major Cities, Caroline Gennez, and was chaired by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.
The ministers and state secretaries gathered in an informal setting, allowing for an open and frank debate. The mid-term review of EU development cooperation and international solidarity provided an ideal occasion for a more in-depth discussion about the effectiveness and future of Europe’s development policies, and its alignment with other external EU policy initiatives, such as the Global Gateway.
Reflections from Völker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and a debrief by Minister Gennez on the Team Europe mission to the African Union and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Global Health a week earlier, served as a useful input for the exchanges.
“The world is grappling with increased conflict and unrest. The call for more social equity and justice rings louder than ever. How we go about our international cooperation must reflect this. It is crucial that the EU continues to have a strong focus on social welfare and human development. But we also have to enhance our commitment to our shared values – democracy, human rights, the rule of law – and apply them more consistently in our approach to development cooperation. That is where our strength and our appeal truly lie. That is what we have to offer. Our partner countries have the prerogative to pick and choose with whom they work – but they cannot pick and choose when it comes to human rights,” said minister Gennez.
The informal meeting continued with an update on the Ukraine Facility. The ministers and state-secretaries welcomed the approval of the additional aid package to Ukraine, as the ongoing war continues to have a grave impact on Ukraine’s education and healthcare systems, and the everyday lives of its citizens.
During lunch, the ministers and state secretaries were joined by Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini. He gave a detailed account of the situation on the ground in Gaza and addressed the recent accusations of the Israeli government against the agency regarding the involvement of some UNRWA staff members in the horrendous 7th of October attacks, and the alleged presence of tunnels used by terrorist organization Hamas near its headquarters.
Commissioner-General Lazzarini also answered questions about the state of the ongoing investigations, the way forward, and how it would strengthen its screening and risk-mitigating procedures in the future. All member states agreed that absolute transparency is needed, from all parties involved. The credibility of the agency, the UN-system, and the entire international rules-based order which it upholds, hangs in the balance.
All member states also shared a deep concern about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Since the 7th of October, more than 27.000 people have been killed, most of them women and children, more than 67.000 have been wounded, and hundreds of thousands are facing hunger and despair. They also expressed grave concern about the humanitarian impact of the imminent offensive in Rafah, where more than 1,4 million people have sought refuge, with nowhere else to go. A military campaign in such a densely populated area can only lead to mass civilian casualties.
All member states reiterated and emphasized that more humanitarian aid must reach the people in Gaza immediately, in a safe and unrestricted manner; that all hostages must be released immediately and without conditions; and that humanitarian and internal law must be respected at all times, by all parties.
David Jordens, spokesperson – porte-parole – woordvoerder
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EMAIL: david.jordens@diplobel.fed.be
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