EU Ambassadors Conference 2025: Opening speech by High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas

February 4, 2025
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I have been looking forward to this conference since I started in this role.

 

For the first time in many years, we have positive news from the Middle East.

  • The weakening of Iran;
  • the fall of the Assad regime;
  • the release of hostages and the ceasefire agreements between Israel and Hamas and Israel and Hezbollah;
  • new leadership in Lebanon;

Progress can be made. And the EU can have a role. If we are not there, around the table, asking the right questions, pushing for inclusiveness and championing democratic values, then who is? We are also the biggest donor and this is too often unnoticed.

 

Currently the situation is extremely fragile and everything is interlinked: The chances of the new Lebanese leaders reforming the country depend on the persistence of the truce between Israel and Hezbollah; clashes are still taking place in both Gaza and southern Lebanon; Israel’s leadership is wavering on the return to a two-state solution.  We are a long way from having all the important Palestinian political groups ready to recognise the state of Israel; Iran will try to restore the position it has lost; Syria’s new leaders are certainly saying all the right words, but it is still too early to assess where the country is heading.

 

Where we can help, we should. I have been discussing this in depth within the Aqaba format since last December. Because the Middle East has been and will remain a very important region for Europe. They are our neighbours, and instability has an immediate effect on Europe, particularly through increases in migration and the threats of terrorism. Our contribution to the stability of the region is essential. This is why we continue to support the reconstruction process in Syria and Lebanon, alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, and redeploy our border assistance mission – EUBAM – in Rafah, allowing the transfer of individuals out of Gaza including those in need of medical relief. But I want us to do more. With the Gulf, for example, there is a lot of potential, including energy cooperation. And a new Pact for the Mediterranean can boost our relations with this region.

 

We have clear understanding what we want to deliver:

  • Ukraine’s defence for Europeans’` defence;
  • Maintaining and strengthening our alliances with like-minded countries;
  • Pursuing peace in the Middle East;
  • And nurturing mutually beneficial partnerships.
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Countries covered:

  • Lebanon
  • Palestine *
  • Syria *
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