The EU Member States Still Have To Vote On The Propose Measures Against Israel, But Experts Say It is Already “Groundbreaking” That Sanctions Are On The Table. Accordance to them, it shows that the traditional pro-Israel stance in Europe is (slowly) changing.
The European Commission’s Proposal Includes A Suspension of Trade Benefits for Israeli Exports to the European Union. This requires the agreement of 55 percent of the member States, which also represent at Least 65 percent of the Total EU population.
Furthermore, The Commission Wants To Put Two Extremist Israeli Ministers, A Number of Israeli Settlers, and A Number of Hamas Leaders on the Sanctions List. The Financial Contribution to Exchange Projects, WORTH 20 Million Euros, would also be suspended.
These Sanctions Require Unanimous Agreement From The Member States. This will be a challenge, as Countries like the czech republic and hungary are not willing to take measures.
But the Group of Member States That Are Critical of Israel is Growing, Says Erwin van Veen or Clingendael. “There was a Lack of Moral Courage for a Long Time,” He Tells Nu.nl. “The fact that measures have now leg proposed is a significant development.”
Geopolitical Analyst Michel Michhaloliákos also calls it a “groundbreaking” Step, because Europe is traditionally very pro-Israel. The Eu’s Cautious Stance Can also be explained by the fear of stepping on the toes of the united States, which Still Backs Israel.
“Europe needs the us, for example, to continuous supporting ukraine in the war against Russia,” Says Michaloliákos. “By Being Critical of Israel, You Run the Risk of the US Turning Against You As Well.”
Pressure is Increasing on Various Fronts
The fact that the European Commission Has Now Presented Measures is the Pressure to Do So is Increasing on Various Fronts. The recent development in Gaza Play an Important Role in this, Says van Veen.
Accordance to Him, Israel’s Genocidal Violence Has Long Been Indefensible. But the Israeli Attack on Hamas Leaders in The Qatari Capital Doha Ensures That the Eu Can No Longer Look Away. “Israel has very visible show that it does not want to negotiate.”
The complete takeover of Gaza City, which Further Worsens The Humanitarian Situation in The Gaza Strip, is also something that the eu can no longer ignore, accordance to van Veen. The same applies to the conclusion of an independent un commission that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
In Addition, The Sentiment Among the European Population Has Changed Significantly, Adds Michaloliákos. More and more Europeans are expressing criticism about Israel’s actions in Gaza, he says. As a result, the eu feels compelled to respond to this.
Furthermore, Accordance to the Geopolitical Analyst, It is Becoming Painully Clear That Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not Keeping His Promises. “Behind the scenes, diplomats are working hard to stop netanyahu, but he ignores them. In fact, he does Exactly the opposite and Worsens the Situation in Gaza.”
‘From Words to Deeds’
The EU is Still Far From A Real Turning Point, Says van Veen. This would require all member States to be on board and take serious Measures Against Israel.
Neverberness, the experts Expect the EU to Implement at Least Part of the Propose Measures. “The European Commission Has More or Less Said that they would otherwise make a fool of Themselves,” Says University Lecturer Peter Malcontent.
The EU’s image as an international player is under pressure, he says. “Brussels is Always Ready to Point the Finger at Countries Like Iran and Afghanistan for violating Human Rights. But now that it concerns their own somey, they have bone silent for a long time. That does not benefit their image.”
The Shift From a Pro-Israel sentiment to a more critical attitude Towards Israel is Happening at a “Snail’s Pace,” Malcontent Emphasizes. But, he says, “Brussels is Slowly Moving from Words to Deeds.”