EU’s Role in Gaza: Former Diplomat Urges Stronger Action Amid Humanitarian crisis

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Former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell is advocating for a more decisive European Union role in addressing the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the alleged breaches of international law. Borrell, along with Kalypso Nicolaïdis, argues that the EU has a “duty” to intervene with its own strategy to resolve the conflict, rather than depending solely on the united States for leadership.

EU’s Duty to Intervene in Gaza

In a joint article published in Foreign Affairs magazine, Borrell and Nicolaïdis emphasized that Europe can no longer afford to remain on the sidelines. They contend that European history necessitates intervention in response to perceived violations of international law by Israel. The authors suggest that the EU’s inaction risks portraying Europeans as “hapless fools” who merely provide financial aid without actively addressing the core issues.

Did You Know? The EU-Israel association Agreement, a trade and cooperation pact, was recently reviewed after 17 member states protested Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Disunity Hinders EU Mediation Efforts

Borrell and Nicolaïdis argue that the EU’s internal divisions have diminished its potential as a powerful mediator in the Middle East. While some EU leaders have cautiously supported the International Criminal Court‘s investigations, others, like austria and Germany, have hesitated to implement arrest warrants against Israeli officials. The EU’s continued trade relationship with Israel, driven by disagreements among member states, further weakens its position .

Kaja Kallas, the current EU foreign policy chief, acknowledged that Israel had breached its human rights commitments in Gaza, but the EU struggles to agree on concrete actions. This lack of consensus has relegated the EU to the sidelines, overshadowed by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar in ceasefire diplomacy.

Potential Actions for a Stronger EU Role

The authors propose several actions the EU coudl take, including leveraging its financial influence and suspending Israel’s participation in EU programs like Erasmus+. They also suggest exploring Article 20 of the EU treaty,which could allow at least nine member states to collaborate on foreign policy tools outside of defense matters.

Pro Tip: Article 20 of the EU treaty has never been invoked, so its practical implications remain uncertain.

The EU’s financial leverage could be significant. In 2023, the EU allocated over €283 million in humanitarian aid to Palestine .

EU-Israel Trade Relations

Despite the ongoing conflict and concerns over human rights, the EU remains Israel’s largest trading partner. The following table illustrates the trade volume between the EU and Israel:

The EU’s trade policy with Israel has been a subject of debate, with some member states advocating for a review in light of the conflict in Gaza.

What specific actions should the EU prioritize to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza? How can the EU overcome internal divisions to present a united front in the middle East?

Disclaimer: This article provides news and analysis and does not constitute legal or financial advice.

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