ABSTRACT
The Middle East has been on the global agenda for much of the post-war period but this analysis focuses upon the role played by European Foreign and Security Policy and the contribution made by The Netherlands, Denmark and Ireland. The 28 April 1980 European Council instructed the Foreign Ministers to draft a formal report on the Middle East for the upcoming Venice summit. Extensive discussion and consultation resulted in the Venice Declaration of 13 June 1980 that represented a firm step in the direction of the Arab and Palestinian positions. The Dublin Summit issued a statement on the Middle East which reiterated the established lines of the Venice Declaration. Practical assistance came under the framework of a Joint Action provided for in the new Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) of the Union. The Netherlands clearly remained very concerned that the common policy agreed be as balanced as possible towards Israeli security concerns.
