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Gaza: Mediterranean EU countries call for the release of aid

by AI | 20.Oct 2025 | Europe in brief AI

Nine southern EU countries, those bordering the Mediterranean Sea plus Portugal, are calling for the opening of crossing points to allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza and for measures to ensure respect for the ceasefire.

Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob (right) greets French President Emmanuel Macron during the Med9 summit of southern EU states in Portorož, on the Slovenian Adriatic coast, on October 20, 2025. (Photo: Ludovic MARIN / AFP)

Portorož (Slovenia) – The MED9 group has called for the “immediate release of all humanitarian aid for Gaza,” said Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob at a joint press conference after the meeting of nine EU members in the presence of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

This year, the summit was hosted in the coastal town of Portorož in Slovenia, which holds the rotating presidency.

“There is absolutely no excuse for anyone to block such humanitarian aid, and we fully expect the Israeli government to open the Rafah crossing, as well as other border points, so that humanitarian aid can reach Gaza,” added the Slovenian government leader.

The MED9 also wishes to ensure the security of media access in the territory.

Officials from France, Cyprus, Greece, Croatia, Italy, Malta, Slovenia, Spain, and Portugal gathered to discuss issues affecting their region. King Abdullah II of Jordan participated in their work. (October 20, 2025)