Competence on foreign policy matters remains the prerogative of member states, meaning EU governments—not the European Commission—shape the bloc’s stance on this domain. After a week marked by growing unrest in several European capitals influenced by the prominence of the Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, who traveled to Israel on Friday with the President of the European Parliament, and the ongoing Israel–Palestine crisis, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, called for an emergency leaders’ meeting. The gathering was set to occur via video conference on Tuesday, October 17, to align discussions across capitals.
The tone for the response was effectively laid out. Twenty-seven European leaders united in a joint declaration negotiated over the weekend. They condemned Hamas and its brutal, indiscriminate terrorist attacks in various parts of Israel in the strongest terms and lamented the loss of civilian lives. They underscored that there can be no justification for terrorism and reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with international and humanitarian law. The statement also emphasized the protection of civilians and adherence to humanitarian norms as guiding principles for any actions taken.
It is notable that von der Leyen has avoided restating this specific framing in her public messages of solidarity toward Israel throughout the week, though EU foreign ministers had already asserted this emphasis during the emergency meeting at the United Nations last Tuesday. In this context, the Netanyahu government is urged to respect international humanitarian law. The controversy escalated hours before the dismissal of a Hungarian commissioner responsible for neighborhood policy, with Oliver Varhelyi unilaterally halting aid for cooperation with Palestine without consulting other members of the commission. The college’s members were reportedly unaware of Varhelyi’s announcement, and von der Leyen’s spokesman acknowledged later that the move had not been coordinated with the rest of the commission.
Strategic discussion
The objective of Tuesday’s summit among EU heads of state and government is a strategic, frank dialogue that assesses the EU’s difficulties in a situation that many describe as serious. Discussions will cover security, migration, and the potential for a ceasefire. According to sources, ministers of justice, interior, and foreign affairs may also submit common requests to harmonize positions. EU insiders described a need for order after the week’s mixed messages, which underscored the bloc’s internal challenges. The EU’s response is expected to be unified, reflecting a collective stance rather than divergent national narratives.
It is stressed that the Union is not a monolithic kingdom but a legal structure built on procedures. The Council is portrayed as the body that sets the tone in foreign relations, and there was a moment when an outdoor council meeting earlier in the week highlighted that some statements did not align with established positions. This episode prompted leaders to reaffirm the EU’s official line through coordinated diplomacy. The emphasis on unity and procedure has been a recurring theme in these debates, with von der Leyen’s role described as a call for orderly alignment across member states.
Criticism of von der Leyen’s travel to Ukraine was swiftly addressed. It was stated that, as Commission president, she has the prerogative to travel wherever she deems appropriate. Her spokesperson reaffirmed this position, noting that such trips are within the president’s authority and have precedent. The spokesperson also clarified that while the visit showed European solidarity with Israel, it did not involve formal contact or meetings with Palestinian Authority leadership. This response was part of a broader effort to balance solidarity with Israel against Hamas while maintaining contacts with regional partners.
Facing intense political pressure, von der Leyen announced humanitarian aid for Gaza would increase from 21 million to 75 million euros. The Commission reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself, while underscoring a strong commitment to protecting civilians and ensuring aid delivers relief under international humanitarian law. In the days following, both von der Leyen and Michel indicated they would participate in discussions following the emergency summit, with plans to engage regional interlocutors, including Egypt, which is slated to host a regional summit in the near term. The goal remains to coordinate international responses that support civilians and stabilize the region, in line with international norms and legal obligations. [citation: EU Council statements and briefings]