think tank,COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,EUROGROUP..

 

Press material Thursday, 03 October 2024

● European Council   03/10/2024 20:53 | Statements and remarks | G7 Leaders’ Statement on recent developments in the Middle East   We, the Leaders of the G7, express deep concern over the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and condemn in the strongest terms Iran’s direct military attack against Israel, which constitutes a serious threat to regional stability.  We unequivocally reiterate our commitment to the security of Israel. Iran’s seriously destabilizing actions throughout the Middle East through terrorist proxies and armed groups—including the Houthis, Hezbollah, and Hamas— as well as Iran-aligned militia groups in Iraq, must stop. Yesterday we discussed coordinated efforts and actions to avoid escalation in the area.  A dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliation risks fuelling uncontrollable escalation in the Middle East, which is in no one’s interest. Therefore, we call on all regional players to act responsibly and with restraint. We encourage all parties to engage constructively to de-escalate the current tensions. International humanitarian law must be respected.  On the eve of the tragic anniversary of Hamas’ attacks on October 7, 2023, we condemn once again in the strongest possible terms such unjustified acts of deliberate violence and stand with the families of the victims and the hostages taken by Hamas. We also reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of all hostages, a significant and sustained increase in the flow of humanitarian assistance, and an end to the conflict. We fully endorse the efforts by the US, Qatar and Egypt to reach such a comprehensive deal, in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2735. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic, and tens of  thousands of innocent lives have been lost. We reiterate the absolute need for the civilian population to be protected and that there must be full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access, as a matter of absolute priority. We will continue working to set the conditions for a durable peace, leading to a two States solution, where Israel and Palestine coexist side-by-side in peace, with security for both.  We are also deeply concerned about the situation in Lebanon. We recall the need for a cessation of hostilities as soon as possible to create space for a diplomatic solution along the Blue Line, consistent with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. This is the only path to durably de-escalate tensions, stabilize the Israel-Lebanon border, fully restore the sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability of Lebanon, and return displaced citizens to their homes with safety and security on both sides. We urge all actors to protect civilian populations. We are committed to providing humanitarian assistance to address the urgent needs of civilians in Lebanon.  We also express our deep condolences to the families of the civilian victims in Israel, Gaza and Lebanon.      We underscore the importance of the United Nations in resolving armed conflict and mitigating the humanitarian impact in the Middle East. In this regard, we acknowledge the role of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to restore peace and security. We are committed to reinforce our support to the mission, pursuant to applicable UN resolutions.  We will continue to be in close contact with all actors to this end.

Meetings Thursday, 03 October 2024

● Eurogroup   03/10/2024 17:17 | Meetings | Agenda highlights - Eurogroup, 7 October 2024   Ministers will discuss the state of play of the digital euro project and euro area competitiveness, building on previous discussions, and will review progress on the capital markets union. The Eurogroup will also review economic and exchange rate developments ahead of the World Bank and IMF annual meetings. The Eurogroup President will outline the key points in his letter to the Euro Summit President ahead of the October Euro Summit.

Meetings Thursday, 03 October 2024

● Council of the EU   03/10/2024 17:06 | Meetings | Justice and Home Affairs Council, 10-11 October 2024   Background brief - Justice and Home Affairs Council, 10-11 October 2024

PRESS MATERIAL Thursday 3 October 2024

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• Council of the EU

­ 3/10/2024 | Media advisory | Presidency event: Informal meeting of employment and social policy ministers, Budapest, 10 October 2024 On 10 October, employment and social policy ministers will meet in Budapest for an informal meeting, focusing on labour shortages, more effective involvement of labour market reserves, and issues of social inclusion.   The morning (employment) session will focus on labour shortages and the mobilization of untapped labour potential in the context of demographic challenges.    In the afternoon (social) session, ministers will discuss the key issues of social inclusion of persons with disabilities and persons with changed working capacities.   A press conference will take place at +/- 1 p.m.   For more information about the meeting, click here. To register for the meeting, click here.  HU24EU

Library blog Thursday, 03 October 2024

● General Secretariat of the Council   Think Tank reports on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine   State of play and future scenarios after two years of Russian all-out aggression against Ukraine; if reaching peace in Ukraine is possible; how much US aid is going to Ukraine; explaining Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction; countering Russian hybrid interference with EU sanctions; if western trade sanctions are effective; how to win the war and join NATO; and how integrating Ukraine’s energy sector into the EU are some of the topics discussed in the present update.   Read full post