The European Union in the Middle East: Strong Influence or Ineffective Observer?
In this edition of Brussels, my love?, we delve into the European Union’s role in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and analyze the political implications of a controversial amnesty law in Spain.
The EU’s Approach to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
As the European Union prepares to provide substantial humanitarian aid to Gaza, its leaders stress the importance of finding a long-term resolution to the Israel-Hamas conflict. They emphasize the need to avoid re-occupation and forced displacement.
The EU also urges the Palestinian Authority to assume control in Gaza while working towards a two-state solution. However, the union’s involvement in the Middle East primarily revolves around funding projects, leaving some questioning its effectiveness as a mediator.
To gain deeper insights into the EU’s influence in the region, we spoke with Kait Bolongaro, managing editor Europe at MLex, Sven Biscop, director of the “Europe in the World” program at The Royal Egmont Institute for International Relations and professor at Ghent University, and Sandra Pasarić, project officer at the Martens Centre for European Studies.
Europe’s Diverse Perspectives on Israel
During our discussion, panelists expressed varying opinions on Europe’s stance towards Israel:
Sven Biscop believes Israel’s “long-term strategy has been a total failure because it behaves like a colonial power.” Drawing from the experiences of Belgium’s colonial past, Biscop emphasizes the need to make it clear to Israel that maintaining a permanent state of war is not a sustainable approach.
Sandra Pasarić, on the other hand, highlights the significance of European leaders such as Roberta Metsola and Ursula von der Leyen visiting the kibbutz closest to the Gaza border. She states that “The European Union unanimously decided to be on the side of Israel. Israel has the right to defend itself.”
Spain’s Political Landscape and Controversial Amnesty Law
Shifting our focus, we discuss the current political situation in Spain following Pedro Sánchez’s return to power through a deal with Catalan separatists.
Sánchez’s decision to meet some of the demands put forth by pro-independence parties has sparked considerable division within the country. These demands include granting amnesty to individuals involved in the illegal referendum for secession from Spain.
Critics argue vehemently that Sánchez’s government now becomes vulnerable to traitors, a sentiment echoed by the conservative opposition in Madrid and the hundreds of thousands of citizens who took to the streets in protest.
Concerns over the Rule of Law
With the amnesty law in place, questions arise regarding the impacts on the rule of law in Spain. Detractors express their worry that Sánchez’s government is now at the mercy of those who undermine the country’s integrity.
As the European Union seeks to exert its influence in the Middle East and navigate the complex political dynamics in Spain, it faces challenges in effectively mediating conflicts and maintaining unity among its member states.