Decision on the Community's future falls under the Commission's consideration.

Von der Leyen's Israel policy perplexes and disconcerts Laschet.

, and ASMedia

2025 September 18 . 11:55 PM

2 min read

Decision on the Community's future also falls under the Commission's consideration.

Von der Leyen's Israel policy described as "shocking" by Laschet - Decision on the Community's future falls under the Commission's consideration.

The European Union (EU) is currently considering proposals for sanctions against Israel, with the EU Commission presenting a sanctions catalog to increase pressure on the country due to its actions in the Gaza Strip. However, these proposals have met with opposition, particularly from Germany, which has consistently opposed suspending the agreement with Israel.

The suspension of trade aspects of the association agreement with Israel requires a qualified majority in the Council of EU countries, meaning at least 55% of member states and at least 65% of the EU population must approve. Yet, unanimous approval is required for the imposition of sanctions, and there is no clear majority among member states in support of such a move.

Friedrich Merz, the leader of the German Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has expressed his disapproval of the EU Commission's actions, accusing it of discriminating against Israel by taking actions against it that are not taken against other states, even dictatorships. Merz finds it unacceptable that the EU Commission is taking such actions against Israel while continuing to support other states.

Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign policy chief, has spoken of a 'robust sanctions package' that includes a partial suspension of the EU's association agreement with Israel. Yet, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, has announced potential sanctions against Israel, but has faced criticism from Merz for pursuing a one-sided policy regarding Israel that lacks a majority among member states.

Merz suggests considering individual right-wing extremist ministers for an entry ban or sanctions, but not suspending the association agreement or freezing all cooperation with Israel. He believes that such actions would ultimately harm the European Union. Von der Leyen, on the other hand, has called for an end to the 'horrible daily events in Gaza.'

It is worth noting that the EU Commission has relations and cooperations with many states around the world, including dictatorships, and supports them with EU money. This raises questions about the EU's approach to sanctions and its commitment to promoting democracy and human rights.

The Bundestag has not been mentioned as being involved in the decision-making process regarding sanctions against Israel. This suggests that the debate is primarily taking place within the EU Council and the European Commission.

In conclusion, the proposals for sanctions against Israel are a contentious issue within the EU, with Germany and Merz expressing opposition to the suspension of the agreement with Israel. The EU Commission's actions against Israel have raised questions about the EU's approach to sanctions and its commitment to promoting democracy and human rights. The final decision will depend on the approval of a qualified majority in the Council of EU countries and the unanimous approval of all member states.