For years, dictators in the region crushed calls for democracy, warning: “Do you want to end up like Syria?”. It is time to rewrite this narrative. On February 11, we discussed the cornerstones of a EU Middle East Strategy in the European Parliament. The goal has to be supporting the region in becoming more stable, secure, and economically sustainable.
Next Steps
In my speech, I criticized that the EU has remained inactive for too long instead of supporting the people on the ground. To strengthen local partners and stand up against regional bullies, we have to:
- Use the EU-Israel Association Council to urge Israel to uphold the ceasefire,
Support UNRWA in its humanitarian work, and the UN in the region as a whole, - Engage with Lebanon’s new leadership, Support a green growth strategy for the Middle East, in coordination with the Gulf states,
- let’s step up our support to local civil society and all those that promote human rights, freedom and democracy in the region.
My plenary speech:
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