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NEW YORK: As the world watches intensifying efforts unfold to end the war in Gaza and discuss reconstruction of the war-ravaged enclave, the EU commissioner for the Mediterranean has underscored the pivotal role that Gulf Cooperation Council countries play in shaping the region’s future.

In a wide-ranging interview with Arab News on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Dubravka Suica emphasized that lasting peace in the Middle East requires inclusive partnerships, sustained financial support, and above all a genuine commitment from all regional and international stakeholders.

The EU’s approach to Palestinian recovery and Middle East peace is multifaceted, combining humanitarian aid, economic investment, diplomatic efforts and regional cooperation.

Central to this strategy is the indispensable role of Gulf states, whose geographic proximity and political influence are vital for sustainable progress.

Ahead of a critical ministerial-level meeting on the UN Relief and Works Agency — the largest UN agency serving Palestinians — Suica said sustainable peace and prosperity in the Middle East hinge on active involvement from the Gulf states.

“The Kingdom of �������� and France jointly organizing the two-state solution summit sends a clear message: The Gulf countries have a vital interest and responsibility in this process,” she added.

Suica reaffirmed UNRWA’s indispensable role in providing vital services across Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. “UNRWA is a temporary agency, but at this moment it’s absolutely necessary,” she said.

However, financial challenges continue to loom large over the agency, which has since the beginning of the war on Gaza been subject to constant verbal and physical attacks by Israel.

The EU has contributed €83 million ($96.7 million) this year, but funding is stretched thin. “We don’t have much more money in our budget for this year,” Suica said.

She also addressed Israeli allegations that some Hamas operatives have infiltrated the agency. While acknowledging isolated cases, she firmly rejected the notion that UNRWA is broadly compromised. “There are checks and controls in place. This isn’t the general situation,” she said.

A long-term goal of the EU is to empower the Palestinian Authority to gradually take over services currently managed by UNRWA.

To that end, the EU has launched its largest financial support package ever for the PA, totaling €1.6 billion over the next three years, tied to reform metrics aimed at enhancing governance and service delivery.

“While the PA isn’t yet fully capable of taking over these responsibilities, this is the direction we want to move in the mid-term,” Suica said.

Economic resilience is another cornerstone of the EU’s strategy. The recent €400 million agreement between the European Investment Bank and the Palestinian Monetary Authority is designed to support 20,000 small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, keeping the economy vibrant despite ongoing conflict.

“People need to feel hopeful, to earn money and to organize their lives better,” Suica said, stressing that Europe cannot rebuild Palestine alone.

“This is why we need everyone on board, especially Arab countries and Gulf states,” she said, adding that cooperation with the US is also crucial.

Regarding the peace process, Suica expressed cautious optimism. Prior to the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, she perceived a deadlock, but nations’ stances during the UNGA offer hope.

The recognition of Palestine by 160 countries, softening stances from Italy and Germany, and the willingness of some nations to deploy police and security personnel to Palestinian territories are positive indicators. However, she stressed that “without a ceasefire nothing can move forward.”

In conversations with Israel, Suica said two main issues dominate: the release of hostages and the disarmament of Hamas.

While these are shared goals, she cautioned that disarming Hamas is complex and beyond immediate control.

The key remains dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. “If they don’t sit together at the negotiating table, all efforts are in vain,” she stressed.

Suica acknowledged the EU’s continuous engagement in the political process but noted internal challenges.

The EU’s 27 member states must achieve unanimity to officially recognize Palestine, which remains elusive.

Nonetheless, she hopes that increased diplomatic pressure during the UNGA will shift this position, with further progress expected at the next Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg.

“We want to be not just payers but also players,” she said, underscoring the EU’s commitment to active involvement in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

Suica said the EU is moving beyond traditional diplomacy by negotiating strategic partnership agreements with all six GCC members.

These agreements are designed to deepen economic cooperation, foster trade and strengthen political ties. Simultaneously, trade agreements are underway to enhance mutual economic benefits.

“Without peace, none of these partnerships will reach their full potential,” she stressed, adding that engagement from the Gulf countries is essential for lasting regional stability.

Highlighting the interconnectedness of regional security, economics and politics, she emphasized the need for Gulf countries to fully commit to peace initiatives.

She described EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s announcement of the Palestine Donor Group as a global call to action, inviting Gulf nations and others to contribute meaningfully to Palestinian recovery and regional peace.

“The Gulf countries are in the immediate neighborhood of Palestine and Israel. Their interest in peace and security isn’t just political, it’s economic and social,” said Suica.

This regional proximity means that lasting peace directly benefits their own prosperity and security.

Beyond the political realm, she highlighted critical areas where the EU and GCC collaborate. Energy transition stands out as a shared priority.

Both are engaged in shifting from fossil fuels to renewable sources such as hydrogen, solar and wind power, all crucial for environmental sustainability and energy security.

“We’re working on aligning standards, procurement rules and regulatory frameworks to facilitate cooperation,” Suica said.

While progress has been made, she acknowledged that “there’s room for improvement, especially in harmonizing standards and regulations to ensure smooth cooperation.”

Visa negotiations are also ongoing, with new regimes expected by the end of the year. These agreements aim to enhance people-to-people contact, trade and tourism between Europe and the Gulf, strengthening cultural and economic bonds.