Europe seeks unity regarding the crisis in the Middle East. Although the change of pace in the migrant dossier is beginning to be felt, the Italian government’s line, supported by the European Commission, is beginning to make inroads among the other member states. Let’s start here. Brussels is beginning to glimpse the implications that the Middle East crisis could have on migration flows in Europe. “Migrants are pressured to seek a better life due to wars and conflicts and are reaching our shores in greater numbers”, says the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who calls on the European Union to “react and act united and resolute” in the face of such challenges and “major upheavals”. With regard to migrants, the Council will listen to the actions taken by the Commission, based on the commitment to return to the topic “on a regular basis”. Now the question is no longer “the vision in the hands of the Council, but the facts in the hands of the EU Executive”, notes Prime Minister Meloni, who says she is satisfied with von der Leyen’s letter sent to the leaders. The letter, with proposals to evaluate an extension of the Irini naval mission, to make repatriations more effective and to increase the funds reserved for the migrants’ dossier, “is a demonstration that the European Union intends to move forward concretely and that in this matter we are witnessing a big change of pace.” Now it is necessary to expand agreements with third countries, starting with Egypt. We must not repeat the mistake made with Tunisia, this is Meloni’s invitation. “What is needed is respect, because we cannot think in speaking to the institutions of another nation with a paternalistic approach, with this idea of superiority that we sometimes demonstrate”.
A respect that has sometimes been lacking in relations with Tunis, “in the sense that we have seen attempts to declare Tunisia an insecure country by political exponents, by political forces and realities, by those who politically want to undermine the possibility of Europe govern their own migration flows”, notes the Prime Minister. Meanwhile, after the contradictory and confusing messages between EU institutions in the first few days, the European summit wants to send a message of unity, despite the different positions on the cessation of attacks to allow humanitarian aid to arrive in Gaza. The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, says he is confident that once again “a united and very strong position” will be expressed, necessary in these “difficult times”. The Twenty-Seven are moving towards a request for a “humanitarian pause”, but there are a small number of States, including Spain, that are calling for a stronger formulation, more similar to a “ceasefire”. A solution that the majority opposes because it would compromise Israel’s response to eliminating Hamas terrorists. For Meloni, Europe can play a role by “giving more weight to the Palestinian National Authority”, a mention that appears in one of the Council’s latest projects that names engagement with partners, including the Palestinian Authority. The Prime Minister recalls that “there is a common commitment” to avoid a regional escalation “of unimaginable proportions”. “One of the most effective things you can do is call Hamas’ bluff,” that is, having committed its atrocities “to defend the Palestinian cause.”
Source: IL Tempo
Emma Fitzgerald is an accomplished political journalist and author at The Nation View. With a background in political science and international relations, she has a deep understanding of the political landscape and the forces that shape it.
