The European Union “cannot remain mere observers” on the matter of Gaza, stated Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos during a session with the European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee on Wednesday.
- “Efforts are being made by Brussels to formulate a common position and stance in this regard,” he said, adding that these conversations “have not yet reached a conclusion.”
Kombos emphasised the need for the EU to coordinate its efforts fully and act based on international law. He highlighted Cyprus’s significant contributions in humanitarian efforts, particularly through the Amalthea humanitarian aid corridor. “We must move in full coordination and on the basis of international law,” he asserted.
His remarks come in light of the Cypriot government’s recent announcements regarding its potential participation in the United States’ Gaza Board of Peace. Last week, Kombos indicated that Cyprus would await a unified EU position before deciding on involvement, noting that discussions in Brussels to formulate a common stance are ongoing.
“Efforts are being made by Brussels to formulate a common position and stance in this regard,” he said, adding that these conversations “have not yet reached a conclusion.”
Cyprus’s approach has been characterised by a careful and balanced strategy, as communicated to the American side. The Foreign Minister mentioned that the government is maintaining a “particularly positive approach” towards the prospect of joining the Board of Peace, which seeks to address the complex issues facing Gaza.
There have been reports that Cyprus received an invitation to join the board. According to Bloomberg, however, each participating country may be required to pay a membership fee of $1 billion. This claim was later addressed by Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, who clarified that the reports do not reflect reality.
Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin was also invited to join the board, and he confirmed the existence of the $1 billion fee. The Board of Peace is designed to include a broad coalition of countries focused on stabilising Gaza.
The board will also have a seven-member executive team, which includes prominent figures like US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, and former British Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair. Each member will oversee critical portfolios aimed at fostering long-term success and governance in Gaza.
Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov, who previously served as the UN’s special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, has been appointed as the board’s high representative for Gaza. The White House stated he would serve as the on-the-ground link between the Board of Peace and a new national committee for Gaza’s administration, led by civil engineer Ali Shaath.
In a parallel initiative, the White House has established a separate “Gaza executive board” tasked with supporting effective governance and delivering essential services aimed at promoting peace and prosperity for the region. This board includes notable members such as Sigrid Kaag, the incumbent UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
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