During a plenary debate ahead of the next European Council meeting on 20-21 March, the leader of the Socialists and Democrats, Iratxe García, called on European leaders to continue supporting Ukraine, while putting an end to the destruction in Gaza and to the impunity of Netanyahu. A peace conference that paves the way for a Palestinian state is essential. 

Iratxe García, president of the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, said:

“We must maintain our firm will to help Ukraine. The 13 packages of sanctions against Russia, the aid of €50bn to support the Ukrainian State and the training of 50,000 soldiers are commitments that must continue, and be increased on with the weapons that Zelensky needs. Using the €300bn in frozen Russian assets to supply war supplies to Ukraine is an indispensable step. The time has come to advance strategic autonomy by generating new capabilities, without reducing efforts from our commitment to NATO and its deterrence power. The joint purchase of military material, inspired by the purchase of vaccines with the aim of ‘spending more, better and in Europe’, and the contribution of the European Investment Bank to the development of joint projects in the defence industry, are necessary proposals.”

Iratxe García also said in reference to the situation in the Middle East:

“30,000 dead, 70,000 injured, 1,700,000 displaced and the destruction of a territory, Gaza, which is already uninhabitable. With Gaza sinking into destruction, we must send a clear message to Netanyahu to end his impunity. There is a clamorous urgency for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, the supply of food and medicines, the imposition of sanctions on violent settlers in the West Bank, and the need for an international peace conference leading to the creation of the Palestinian State.”