The European Union (EU) has been actively, albeit indirectly, involved in diplomatic efforts regarding the Israel-Hezbollah conflict and the ongoing Gaza ceasefire talks, particularly those taking place in Doha and Cairo. Despite the internal divisions amongst EU member states between those defending a pro-Israel stance such as Germany and other eastern European countries and those defending a more balanced approach like Spain and Ireland, Brussels is using informal and official diplomatic channels to avoid a regional military escalation. Nevertheless, these EU internal divisions are also noticeable at the institutional level. Indeed, there are differences in policy statements on the Hezbollah-Israel military escalation and the Gaza war depending on the different leaderships of various EU institutions.
Firstly, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is promoting a pro-Israeli stance in Brussels. On the contrary, European Council President Charles Michel and the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell are both defending a more balanced approach considering at the same time the conflicting perspectives of Israel and Arab states as well as the suffering of Palestinians.
Overall, regarding the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, the EU has expressed deep concern over the escalation in violence, emphasizing the need for both sides to de-escalate and avoid actions that could further destabilize the region. The EU’s approach has been consistent with its broader foreign policy, which focuses on maintaining stability in the Middle East while upholding international law and humanitarian principles. The EU is supporting the rapid conclusion of a “deal on ceasefire and hostages and detainees release.” Brussels’ idea is to support a deal to “pave the way for a regional de-escalation.”
Amongst the EU member states France has taken a cautious and diplomatic approach toward the escalating conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. The French government has strongly urged Hezbollah to refrain from further involvement in the conflict, emphasizing the risks of a broader regional escalation. French officials have been in close communication with both Lebanese and Israeli counterparts, pushing for de-escalation and advocating for dialogue. France’s policy is driven by its broader interest in regional stability and its historical ties to Lebanon. France strongly condemned the cross-border attacks while calling for restraint to avoid a full-scale war. In a context where fighting has intensified, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised its nationals to leave Lebanon, emphasizing the highly volatile nature of the security situation.
At the same time, France, alongside other EU countries, insists on the importance of avoiding an extension of the conflict. Although France does not take sides in the direct conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, it supports the international community’s efforts to stabilize the situation and prevent a broader escalation involving other regional actors such as Iran and Syria.
France is holding consultations with both parties to prevent the opening of a new front in Lebanon, in parallel with the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. These efforts are accompanied by close coordination with the United States, notably to promote de-escalation measures and strengthen the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for the withdrawal of non-Lebanese armed forces from southern Lebanon and the deployment of the Lebanese army and UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon).
However, French diplomacy faces obstacles, notably Hezbollah’s refusal to engage in negotiations until a lasting ceasefire is achieved in Gaza. Nevertheless, Paris continues its efforts to persuade the various regional actors to avoid a military escalation which could have devastating consequences.
In relation to the Gaza ceasefire talks, the EU has been supportive of efforts led by the United States, Qatar and Egypt to negotiate a truce between Israel and Hamas. The EU has stressed the importance of a ceasefire that not only ends hostilities but also facilitates humanitarian aid to Gaza, where the situation has become increasingly dire. The EU has called for a sustainable solution that includes the release of hostages held by Hamas and addresses the root causes of the conflict, aligning with the broader international community’s push for a two-state solution as the ultimate resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
While the ceasefire talks have seen various rounds of negotiation, with some progress reported, challenges remain such as the list of Palestinian prisoners that should be released from Israeli jails. Hamas has expressed dissatisfaction with some of the proposals while Israel has raised concerns about certain conditions, making the situation precarious. The EU continues to monitor these developments closely and advocate for a comprehensive and enduring peace agreement that respects both Israeli security and Palestinian rights. The EU’s involvement in these diplomatic efforts highlights its commitment to playing a constructive role in seeking peace and stability in the region despite the complexities involved.
The recent military escalation between Israel and Hezbollah as well as the ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel in Cairo and Doha confirmed the marginalization of the EU as a significant diplomatic player in the Levant. This marginalization is further visible in a period of regional polarization in the Levant. In this context of rising military tensions, internal EU divisions at both the member states and institutional level are insurmountable hurdles for a diplomatic return of the EU to the region. Despite this European diplomatic decline, some member states, such as France, continue to play a proactive role to avoid a military escalation that will be detrimental not only at the regional level but for European interests as well.
