Brussels Faces Internal & External Pressure to Harden Stance on Israel
Nearly 300 former European Union officials and ambassadors are calling for a critically important escalation of EU response to the conflict in Gaza, urging the suspension of the entire Association Agreement with Israel. The move comes as international scrutiny intensifies ahead of a United Nations General Assembly session were multiple countries are expected to formally recognize Palestinian statehood.
The signatories, including Ignacio García Bercero, who led the EU’s commercial relations with the United States during Donald Trump’s first term, and Cristina Gallach, former spokesperson for Javier Solana, argue that the EU must demonstrate stronger resolve. They are urging the 13 EU member states that have not yet recognized Palestine to join the 147 UN Member states already doing so, citing France, Belgium, Malta, the United Kingdom, canada, and Australia as examples. They also advocate for reinforcing the global alliance supporting a two-state solution.
The call for action is fueled by growing discontent with what critics describe as Brussels’ inaction regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Internal protests have erupted among EU staff, who have sent multiple letters and held weekly demonstrations urging stronger leadership, particularly from european Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Von der Leyen,in a recent email to Commission officials following her speech to the European parliament,acknowledged the “unbearable tragedy in Gaza,” stating,”what happens there is unacceptable.” She outlined a proposed package of measures including suspending the commercial section of the Association Agreement with Israel, sanctions against extremist ministers, halting portions of bilateral aid to Israel, and establishing a donor group to aid in the reconstruction of Gaza.
The move also follows the United States’ denial of visas to Palestinian representatives seeking to attend the UN General Assembly, prompting expressions of solidarity from European leaders with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
