OVIEDO, Spain

European Council President Antonio Costa on Tuesday accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of seeking to eliminate the possibility of a two-state solution.

In an interview with Spanish broadcaster Cadena SER, Costa condemned Israel’s recently approved military occupation plan for Gaza, calling it a breach of international law.

“Netanyahu is trying to destroy the possibility of the existence of two states,” he said.

On Monday, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved a plan to expand its ongoing military offensive in the Gaza Strip and occupy territories inside the enclave.

“Europe must be clear – condemn Israel’s violation of international law and support a two-state solution,” Costa added.

The former Portuguese prime minister and the first Socialist to hold the permanent European Council presidency was in Spain on an official visit.

'Peace without defense is an illusion’

Speaking about global security, Costa underlined the need for the EU to increase defense spending to support its social model and security interests.

“The EU is a peace project, but peace without defense is an illusion,” he said.

He stressed the need for cooperation with southern Mediterranean countries and argued that defense must go beyond military buildup, including development aid and innovation in dual-use technologies.

Costa also criticized economic protectionism, describing tariffs as a “tragedy” and warning of the negative effects of a trade war with the United States.

“It’s bad for us, but even worse for the US economy,” he said.

On Ukraine, Costa said Europe must support a “just and lasting peace,” insisting that ceasefires alone are not enough.

“Only Ukraine can define the terms of peace,” he said. “We must not reward the aggressor.”

Costa also acknowledged the challenges posed by the rise of far-right populism in Europe, attributing the trend to growing discontent among the middle class and younger generations.

“It’s more a reaction against the system than support for the extreme right,” he said.​​​​​​​