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Dominique de Villepin, former Prime Minister of France, has articulated a compelling call to action regarding the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He highlights two crucial steps for France and the European Union to pursue peace and justice in the region: Recognize the State of Palestine: Villepin emphasizes that recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state is a foundational step toward ensuring equality and fostering a viable peace process. Such recognition would affirm Palestinians' rights under international law and contribute to a two-state solution. Leverage the EU-Israel Association Agreement: The EU has significant economic and political ties with Israel under this agreement. Villepin advocates for using these ties as leverage, conditioning cooperation on Israel's adherence to international law, including respecting human rights and ending illegal settlements. This approach underscores the need for the EU and its member states to align their policies with international norms and advocate for a balanced resolution. Villepin's vision challenges policymakers to move beyond rhetoric, urging concrete actions that support peace and justice for both Israelis and Palestinians. https://lnkd.in/dx2ZNpHR

🇪🇺The EU Strategic Agenda draft is expected to arrive this Thursday to give priorities for the next Commission. Unlike the Granada Declaration, it is now focused more on the democratic security of the block. Also, the Enlargement action points look more tangible than earlier declarations.   👉 Last week, EU Council President Charles Michel consulted a new draft of several EU leaders in Vienna in Warsaw and PM Meloni in Rome. Visegrad Insight looked at a leaked draft as we prepare for Tuesday's closed-door European Future Forum in Warsaw to discuss some priorities related to enlargement with a group of high-level EU diplomats and experts. 👇 Click the link to read the #WeeklyOutlook 👇 https://lnkd.in/ebzwAGgj Wojciech Przybylski Sigita Struberga Adam Jasser Albin Sybera Radu Albu-Comanescu Luca Flora Soltesz Staś Kaleta Galan Dall

1 May 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the accession of ten new Member States to the European Union. This greatest-ever enlargement is a symbol of the peaceful unity of the continent and - now more than ever before - our greatest geopolitical asset. This review looks back at the strengths and weaknesses brought about by the accession of 10 States, which has had a profound effect on European integration, from the reform of institutions to the reunification of the peoples of Europe - separated for too long by the Iron Curtain - not forgetting Mediterranean issues and the emergence of political figures who have punctuated the news of our Union over the last 20 years. Analysis by Elise Bernard -PhD.

It is very good news that today the European Union opens accession negotiations with #Ukraine and #Moldova. We stand at the threshold of a significant and transformative moment for these two countries and for our Union. And we celebrate the values and principles that bind us together. The EU has always been more than a political and economic union. It is a testament to our collective aspiration for peace, for security, for democracy and for prosperity.

🇧🇦Recent accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina signal renewed efforts to integrate the Western Balkans into the European Union. Yet, amidst this progress lies a region historically marred by ethnic tensions and geopolitical struggles, earning it the title 'Powder Keg of Europe.' 💡From political instability to governance deficits and unresolved conflicts, the path to EU membership is lined with obstacles. Critiques of the EU's approach underscore the need for deeper transformation and clearer incentives. As both sides navigate this complex journey, genuine political will and significant reforms are imperative to realise a vision of a peaceful and prosperous Balkans within the EU. 📝Author: Nikita Pia Jensen 🔗Read the article: https://lnkd.in/gfe26K7X

Eastern Partnership and Trio Strategy, Covid-19, Belarus democratic revolution, Navalny’s Russia, Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine, geopolitics of South Caucasus, NATO and EU enlargements, EU’s parliamentary diplomacy and its leaders. Europe of today has unique opportunities to lead democratic transformation in the Eastern neighbourhood. European Parliament elections on 6-9 June will be decisive, every vote will count. Below is my attempt to give an overview of the five-year term. What may follow now is in the hands of European voters. https://lnkd.in/dfZV2xwM

* On 30 October, the European Commission adopted its annual Enlargement Package (here: https://lnkd.in/dWWcg4k7), providing a detailed assessment of the state of play and the progress made by - Albania, - Bosnia and Herzegovina, - Kosovo, - Montenegro, - North Macedonia, - Serbia, - Georgia, - Moldova, - Ukraine and - Türkiye, on their respective paths towards EU accession. * The assessments are accompanied by recommendations and guidance on the reform priorities. * European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “The tense geopolitical context makes it more compelling than ever that we complete the reunification of our continent, under the same values of democracy and the rule of law. ... [E]nlargement will remain a top priority of the new Commission”. * But, what does the EU accession process include? Take a look at this comprehensive Commission factsheet:

As I prepare to leave for today's demonstration in the defence of freedom of movement at Schengen, the symbolic birthplace of the Europe without borders, I think it is important to remember how the Maastricht Treaty (which entered into force on November 1st, 1993) comes to show us the essential role free movement has had in building a united Europe. The signing of the Schengen Agreement in 1985, an example of how the decisive action of a little coalition of the willing (in this case Germany, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands) can bring a point to the forefront of the institutional debate on integration, paved the way for that. When Maastricht arrived, one of its greatest achievements was the creation of a "European citizenship". This status enshrined a set of 4 rights that all citizens of the member states of the EU must enjoy in this capacity. The first of them? The "right to move and reside freely" (aka freedom of movement). The establishment of freedom of movement as one of the cornerstones of European citizenship shows how embedded to the notion of European integration itself the right to move without restrictions is. If we want Europe to continue as a project of community and peace we need to preserve the Schengen Area. #DontTouchMySchengen

Honored to participate in today’s European Economic and Social Committee External Relations (REX) Section, discussing EU external activities with a focus on ongoing international conflicts, especially further EU support for Ukraine. Our dialogue underscored the critical importance of political unity and ensuring the security of the EU. These conversations are essential as we navigate the complexities of current geopolitical challenges and work towards a secure and united Europe. Grateful for the valuable insights shared and committed to our collective efforts. #EU #EESC

On 19 February, Domenec Ruiz Devesa MEP President of the Union of European Federalists (UEF), Sandro Gozi chair of the Spinelli Group, Guy Verhofstadt President of the European Movement International (EMI) and Christelle Savall President of the JEF Europe co-signed two letters: - one addressed to the President of the European Council, #CharlesMichel, in view of the European Union Council in March 2024; https://lnkd.in/eKRgTpS8 - one addressed to the President of the European Commission, #UrsulavonderLeyen, in view of the European Commission's Communication on Treaty Reform. https://lnkd.in/exEyhh7E Attached to both letters is the #Memorandum "Why we need a Convention to change the Treaties", which explains why a Convention is necessary while other procedures for reforming the Treaties (simplified procedures or procedure for enlargement to other countries) would not bring the changes citizens need. Here: https://lnkd.in/e5qC3jbu