H.E. Ms Karen Van Vlierberge:

With regard to the Middle East, I was referring to the position we share, which we made clear in December. Now, of course, we have the Presidency, as the Deputy mentioned, which is a different role, so we have to be an honest broker. That said, we still have our position, but we will try to get an agreement and consensus around the table. As I was saying, that will be very difficult because many of the positions on the conflict are based on the very emotional historical positions of countries. The Deputy referred to the position of Ireland, but there are also the positions of Austria and Germany and history is playing a very important role in this. Nevertheless, we saw what happened at the UN General Assembly when more and more countries voted in favour of our position, so we are seeing slow but incremental support not only for humanitarian corridors, which is a first demand, but also for a ceasefire.

Of course, there are some powerful member states within the Security Council and within the European Union. As I said, the longer the conflict takes and the longer the military operation of Israel continues, more and more people will see that it has to stop and that a solution has to be found. Diplomacy is required in order for people to start talking to each other. It is important to think about what the European Union can do in that regard.

Of course, our position is that there should be a two-state solution. We should continue to help strengthen the Palestinian Authority. We are already helping them financially, and I think we should continue and do that more. To take a stronger engagement with regard to the upcoming political process, Europe has to play a role together with our Arab partners and other Arab countries. Within the European Union, the external action service preparing a roadmap for the day after. I have the Council conclusions with me. They are dated 27 October. Since that date, the Council has not agreed on a wording. I really think this should be revisited. As holders of the Presidency, we will do our utmost. You know our position. I know that your Government is taking some important initiatives as well with regard to that file.

There was a question about industrial policy. It is Commissioner Breton who wants to get a new fund to be able to invest in that part of European industries and companies. We see what is happening now in Ukraine. Of course, I know the position of your country. We all, respectfully, are dealing with that matter. I was referring to the money they need, namely, the Ukrainian facility of €50 billion, but they do not only need money. Whenever we meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, they are asking for military support. You may like it or not, but they need it. Russia gets support from North Korea and Iran. Many countries are giving that military support on a bilateral basis, for instance, Germany. The UK recently struck a bilateral agreement. I think also within the European Union we have the funds in the European Peace Facility.

The world in which we live has changed, like it or not. The position with regard to the European Union has become maybe a bit more hostile. There has been a paradigm shift. We may like it or not, but it is there. Belgium thinks it is time that the European Union, as a geopolitical entity, is not only talking and defending its principles but that sometimes it also has to show its muscle. Reference was made to the Red Sea. That is a tricky and difficult one. No one wants an escalation of the war into a regional conflict. On the other hand, a lot of our exports go through the Red Sea - I think about 40% of European exports to Asia. If your vessels are attacked it is difficult. Within the European Union, the possibility of broadening Operation AGENOR, which comes under European Maritime Awareness in the Strait of Hormuz, EMASoH, is being discussed. This would not involve launching attacks but for forces to be there to defend European vessels that are operating in that part of the world.

This year will present specific challenges. We have elections, Ireland has elections but also there will be elections in the US. The security paradigm can shift a lot in that regard also. The Belgian position is that we should invest in having a more powerful European Union, which includes investing in that part of our industry relating to defence and security.