Routine conversation falls short of the mark
The European Union (EU) is stepping up its efforts to address the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, with a mix of diplomatic rhetoric, periodic reviews of bilateral agreements, and growing pressure for more concrete measures.
Current EU Policies
The EU-Israel Association Agreement, a cornerstone of the relationship, emphasises respect for human rights and democratic principles as an "essential element." This allows for the suspension or modification of the agreement in case of severe non-compliance. However, repeated calls for an immediate ceasefire, full respect for international humanitarian law, and the halting of illegal settlement policy have often not resulted in tangible consequences for Israel’s actions.
The EU continues to support a two-state solution and opposes any unilateral annexation of Palestinian territories, loss of territory within the Gaza Strip, or forced displacement of Palestinians. The EU also insists that more aid must enter Gaza immediately and has called for the lifting of Israel’s ban on UNRWA in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Potential Actions
There is increasing pressure from civil society and some member states to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement due to Israel’s non-compliance with its human rights commitments. The review process has been slow, and while the EU has convened meetings, it has not yet taken decisive action. Legal and human rights organizations are urging EU member states to impose targeted sanctions on Israeli officials and personnel suspected of involvement in unlawful conduct, including forced displacement and other violations of international law.
The EU is also being called upon to enforce its legal obligations under international law, including supporting international court rulings and arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Recent Developments and Challenges
Despite a notable shift toward more critical positions among some EU member states, the EU’s fundamental structural stance toward Israel has not radically changed. This is partly due to internal heterogeneity among member states and the consensus-driven nature of EU foreign policy.
Despite growing criticism, major EU countries such as France and Germany continue to express support for Israel’s right to self-defense, especially in the context of recent escalations with Iran, which has somewhat deprioritized the Palestinian issue on the global diplomatic agenda.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli soldiers have been shooting at people at distribution points, leading to the death of over 400 Palestinians. The Israeli army has sealed off the West Bank and established more checkpoints, severely restricting the movement of 3.2 million Palestinians.
The ongoing settlement project in the West Bank is once again relevant for the Gaza Strip. The diplomatic pressure exerted by the recognition of a Palestinian state by Norway, Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia has proven ineffective in putting diplomatic pressure on Israel. The European Union has not taken concrete action against the excesses in the Palestinian territories, despite past condemnations of Israeli actions.
The lack of unity in the EU due to continued support for Israel by countries like Hungary makes a full suspension of the Association Agreement unlikely. However, a qualified majority of EU member states could suspend parts of the Agreement and impose a price on Israel for its actions in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.
If the EU takes steps to curb Israeli violations of international norms, it could begin to realise its ambitions as a geopolitical actor capable of exerting economic and political influence on the global stage. The EU is considering implementing a trade ban with Jewish enterprises in the West Bank and a ban on investments in settlements.
The ongoing situation in the Palestinian territories remains under global scrutiny, with the potential for further action from the EU in the coming months.
The European Union (EU) is contemplating the implementation of trade bans with Jewish enterprises in the West Bank and a ban on investments in settlements, as a potential response to ongoing violations of international norms in war-and-conflicts between Israel and the Palestinians. This action could be a step towards exerting more concrete measures in politics, following the EU's ongoing criticisms of Israeli actions in the Palestinian territories.
As general-news continues to coverage the ongoing conflict, growing pressure from civil society, some member states, and legal and human rights organizations is urging the EU to impose targeted sanctions on Israeli officials and personnel suspected of involvement in unlawful conduct, including forced displacement and other violations of international law.
