Some lawmakers believe the goal is still distant. Anders Vistisen, chief whip of the far-right Patriots group, remarked that although Brussels wants to project leadership, the Palestine donor group is merely a symbolic gathering. He pointed out that the EU has invested billions in Palestinian institutions and projects for decades without achieving stability or accountability. Vistisen asserted that the U.S., not the EU, is setting the political and security framework in Gaza and that without a cohesive strategy or leverage, the EU will remain a passive observer rather than an influential player.
Hana Jalloul, a Socialists and Democrats MEP, argued that the EU’s lack of action regarding Israel, despite the escalating atrocities in Gaza, has hurt its credibility in the peace process. When asked if the outcomes from the anticipated conference could enhance the EU’s role in Gaza, Jalloul laughed and said, “No,” adding a quip about dreaming being free.
A diplomat attending the conference, which included around 60 delegations from Europe and the Middle East, noted that the EU had essentially rebranded their existing efforts. There was little focus on Gaza beyond affirming support for the U.N. Security Council resolution endorsing Trump’s plan, without innovative ideas on how to rebuild or govern Gaza.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the EU, Germany, Luxembourg, Slovenia, and Spain pledged an additional €82 million to the Palestinian Authority, increasing this year’s total commitment to €88 million.
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