27th summit meeting in Washington

US President Joe Biden, European Council President Charles Michel, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met in Washington for the 27th meeting held at the leadership level between the EU and the US.

Speaking at the opening of the summit, Biden stated that his country and the EU are fighting together against global economic challenges as well as threats from Russia and China. Biden said, "We also stand together with Israel in the face of terrorist attacks."

Stating that they would address developments in Israel and Ukraine at the summit, Biden said they would also discuss opportunities to improve cooperation on clean energy, secure and resilient supply chains, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and economic resilience.

MICHEL PROPOSES TWO-STATE SOLUTION

European Council President Michel also assessed, "In these days when the world is going through major trials, it needs a stronger alliance between the EU and the US."

Emphasizing that a tragedy is unfolding in the Middle East, Michel noted the following:

"We have condemned Hamas's terrorist attack on Israel. Israel has the right to defend itself, and this must be within the framework of international humanitarian law. We are working day and night to help vulnerable people in Palestine and to advance the peace process on the basis of a two-state solution. The EU was born as a peace project. Therefore, we must work tirelessly to end the cycle of violence."

Von der Leyen also thanked Biden for his visit to Israel and pointed to the importance of standing in solidarity with that country.

Touching upon Israel's right to defend itself within the framework of international humanitarian law, von der Leyen stated, "We stand with Israel in the face of terror. At the same time, Palestinians are also victims of Hamas's terrorist acts. Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people. The EU and the US are working together to increase humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza."