German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned Israel about its settlement policies in the West Bank during a press conference following the European Union Leaders' Summit in Brussels.
Merz said he had repeatedly expressed his concerns about settlement activities in the West Bank during his talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The German Chancellor called on Israel to avoid steps that would increase tensions in the region.
Call for US-Iran Ceasefire to be Applied in Lebanon
Noting that leaders at the summit also discussed developments in the Middle East, Merz stated they agreed that it is urgently necessary for the ceasefire negotiated between the US and Iran to also be applied in Lebanon.
Merz also stated that he rejected, on behalf of Germany, proposals for commercial sanctions against Israel that were raised at the summit.
Ukraine War and Peace Talks
Addressing the war in Ukraine, Merz noted that at the summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy provided comprehensive information on the latest situation at the front.
Merz claimed that developments on the ground in recent weeks have shifted in Ukraine's favor, emphasized that they held consultations on the path to peace, and stressed the importance of placing diplomatic efforts at the center.
"The time has come to start serious negotiations," Merz said, adding that peace talks should be conducted with the participation of Ukraine, Russia, Europe, and the US.
Merz conveyed that Germany, France, and the UK are cooperating closely on this issue and are covering a significant portion of the military support provided to Ukraine, and noted that Ukraine also wants these three countries to play a role in the process.
Ukraine's EU Membership Process
Also commenting on the EU's enlargement process, Merz relayed that Ukraine has presented proposals regarding a "partner country" status and that this could be implemented without amending EU treaties.
Merz stressed that Ukraine cannot become a full EU member under current conditions, stating that a country at war cannot join the Union, but that full membership could be possible in the future after obtaining partner status.
Mentioning the EU membership process of Western Balkan countries, Merz announced that the issue will be discussed in detail at the EU Leaders' Summit to be held in October.
