Sharm El-Sheikh: President António Costa of the European Council is set to participate in a pivotal ceremony in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, marking a significant step toward peace in the Middle East. The summit will witness the signing of an agreement aimed at ending the war in Gaza, with mediators and former President Trump playing key roles in the proceedings.

According to European Union, the agreement represents the first phase of the Middle East Peace Plan, brokered by the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. This landmark accord seeks to establish a permanent ceasefire, ensure the release of all hostages, and restore full humanitarian aid access to the Gaza Strip. The international community has expressed a unified commitment to achieving a lasting peace where Palestinians and Israelis coexist peacefully.

The European Union has maintained a steadfast commitment to fostering peace, security, and stability in the Middle East. In its June 2025 conclusions, the European Council called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of hostages. The EU has voiced its concerns over the humanitarian situation in the region and condemned the escalation of violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, due to increased settler activities and military operations.

As one of the world’s leading donors of humanitarian aid, the European Union continues to support the Palestinian people. President Costa previously represented the EU at the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine, organized by France and Saudi Arabia during the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. The EU remains committed to a sustainable peace based on the two-state solution and is poised to contribute to efforts towards achieving this goal.