•  The EU has strong political and economic relations with partners in the region including Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan. These are underpinned by “Association Agreements” and by European Neighbourhood Policy “Action Plans". The EU is currently examining the possibility of concluding a similar agreement with Syria.

 

•  The EU’s Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (“Union for the Mediterranean”) serves as a forum for regional dialogue and remains the only multilateral context outside the United Nations where all parties to the conflict can meet and work together on a range of issues.

 

•  Along with Russia, the UN and the USA, the EU participates in the so-called “Quartet”. Recently, the Quartet has supported the Annapolis process which includes a specific focus on implementation of the Parties’ obligations under the 2002 Roadmap. The EU provides financial and human resources to the Office of the Quartet Representative, Tony Blair.

 

HR/VP Catherine Ashton represents the EU at Quartet meetings and conducts dialogue with third countries on the Middle East Peace Process. In 1996, the Council appointed a Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process (EUSR). Ambassador Marc Otte occupies this post and he represents the EU in the preparatory meetings for the Quartet.

 

•  Alongside regular consultations with our partners in the region, including the Arab League, the EU Foreign Ministers and the European Council issue regular policy statements as part of a coordinated EU policy.