EU's von der Leyen calls for European role in Gaza reconstruction

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has emphasized Europe's essential role in Gaza's reconstruction and Middle East diplomatic efforts during her European Parliament address on EU priorities. She asserted that European influence in the emerging global order depends significantly on engagement with neighboring regions, particularly through conflict resolution and reconstruction initiatives.

Middle East Engagement Strategy

Von der Leyen identified three key Middle Eastern priorities: reconstructing Gaza's devastated infrastructure, revitalizing the Israeli-Palestinian two-state solution framework, and supporting Syria's political transition. She positioned these objectives as fundamental to European strategic interests and international influence, connecting regional stability to Europe's own security and geopolitical standing.

Migration and Border Security

The Commission President advocated for full implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum while strengthening Frontex border management capabilities. She distinguished between welcoming legal migration pathways and combating illegal migration networks, pledging stricter enforcement against human smugglers and traffickers operating against European regulations.

Digital Protection and Child Safety

Von der Leyen announced plans to establish an expert panel addressing children's online safety, including potential digital minimum age requirements. She emphasized that "parents should raise their children, not algorithms" and committed to implementing protective measures in the coming year, addressing growing concerns about social media's impact on youth development.

Competitiveness and Defense Priorities

The 2026 Commission Work Program will prioritize European competitiveness, defense readiness, and democratic resilience according to von der Leyen. These focus areas aim to enhance Europe's capacity for decisive action both domestically and internationally while addressing hybrid threats, terrorism, and climate-related security challenges.