Brussels: Today, the European Commission is hosting the second meeting of the Palestine Donor Group (PDG) in Brussels, co-chaired by Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka €š¬¦ uica and Palestinian Authority's Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. This gathering of 65 delegations marks the launch of a new initiative aimed at early recovery in Gaza and the discussion of the Palestinian Authority's Reform Agenda.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the meeting is yielding two significant outcomes: increased financial pledges through the PEGASE mechanism and the initiation of the Team Gaza Initiative. The event sees attendance from Ministers and senior officials of EU Member States and partner countries, as well as representatives from international and regional organizations and financial institutions. Notably, the High Representative of the Board of Peace, Nikolay Mladenov, and the Head of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, Ali Shaath, are participating for the first time.
In another development, the European Commission has adopted measures to support the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation. The updated measures, including a Guidance document and Frequently Asked Questions, aim to provide greater legal certainty and predictability for businesses and Member States. These updates, effective from December 2026, simplify the list of products covered by the Regulation and update the functioning of its Information System. Companies now have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with new functionalities and prepare for the Regulation's application in advance.
Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, emphasized the importance of these measures in ensuring a smooth and effective implementation, highlighting the clarity and predictability they offer to businesses, Member States, and international partners.
Additionally, the EU has commenced negotiations for a Strategic Partnership Agreement with Bahrain. The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, have initiated these discussions, aiming to enhance cooperation in areas of shared interest such as security, stability, and trade.
Commissioner €š¬¦ uica expressed optimism about this new chapter in EU-Bahrain relations, emphasizing the potential for deepened cooperation and shared prosperity. The Strategic Partnership Agreement is expected to strengthen the robust relationship between the EU and Bahrain, building upon previous joint agendas and communications.
Further details on the EU's relationship with Bahrain can be found in the joint statement and a dedicated factsheet.