The EU will provide an unprecedented package of European political, economic
and security support to both parties in the context of a final status
agreement.

European Union (EU)
16 December 2013
Council conclusions on the Middle East Peace Process
FOREIGN AFFAIRS Council meeting
Brussels, 16 December 2013
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/140097.pdf

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"1. The European Union fully supports the efforts of the parties and of the
US towards a just and lasting settlement for the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict. The European Union particularly commends the tireless engagement
by US SoS John Kerry and the leadership shown by President Abbas and Prime
Minister Netanyahu.

2. The European Union recalls previous Council conclusions which laid down
its vision for a two-state solution resulting in an agreement on all final
status issues, ending all claims, and fulfilling the legitimate aspirations
of both parties.

3. The EU is convinced of the positive role that countries in the region can
play in advancing the peace process, and remains committed to the on-going
dialogue with the Arab States, including with regard to achieving peace in
the Middle East. The Council reiterates the strategic importance of the Arab
Peace Initiative for all parties and for the entire region.

4. Recalling its Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions of June and December
2009, the European Union reiterates its readiness to contribute
substantially to post-conflict arrangements for ensuring the sustainability
of a peace agreement. The Council will work on concrete proposals, including
by building on previous work undertaken on EU contributions to Palestinian
state-building, regional issues, refugees, security and Jerusalem.

5. The EU will provide an unprecedented package of European political,
economic and security support to both parties in the context of a final
status agreement. In the event of a final peace agreement the European Union
will offer Israel and the future state of Palestine a Special Privileged
Partnership including increased access to the European markets, closer
cultural and scientific links, facilitation of trade and investments as well
as promotion of business to business relations. Enhanced political dialogue
and security cooperation will also be offered to both states.

6. Current talks represent a unique opportunity which must be seized for
both parties to implement a two-state solution. A one state reality would
not be compatible with the legitimate sovereign and democratic aspirations
of both parties.

7. The EU warns against actions that undermine the negotiations. In this
regard, it deplores Israel's continuous expansion of settlements, which are
illegal under international law and constitute an obstacle to peace. The
Council also expresses its grave concern regarding incitement, incidents of
violence in the occupied territory, house demolitions and the deteriorating
humanitarian situation in Gaza. The EU expresses its serious concern about
actions that undermine the status quo of the holy sites, including in
Jerusalem. The European Union will continue to closely monitor the situation
and its broader implications, and act accordingly.

8. The European Union reiterates that it is in its fundamental interest to
see an end to the conflict, establish lasting peace and prosperity along its
southern borders and simultaneously develop its political, economic and
trade relations with both parties. The European Union stands firmly behind
President Abbas and Prime Minister Netanyahu in their efforts to take bold
and concrete steps towards a just and lasting solution to the conflict
within the agreed timeframe.

9. The Council expressed its gratitude to the EU Special Representative,
Andreas Reinicke, for his work and efforts undertaken during his time as
EUSR. "