The European Union should suspend its trade and institutional ties with Israel to deter war crimes that amount to genocide in the Gaza Strip, the UN’s special rapporteur on Palestine has said.
“Europe is the main trading partner - which accounts I think for 30% of Israel’s trade - so it has a huge power and it should use that power. In the end, this is not an option, it’s an obligation because Article 2 of that association agreement foresees the suspension in case of violations of human rights,” she added.
Albanese said the EU’s reluctance to use the measures in its power to hold Israel to account perpetuates Israel’s impunity and reveals a “disconnect” between Europe’s political class and the large portion of European society that has persistently called for a ceasefire in the besieged Gaza Strip.
She also said EU leaders need to take more concrete counter-measures against Israel, including revoking diplomatic recognition and targeted sanctions on government officials.
Unfortunately, there’s a decent chance that Germany will prevent that.
Depends on what specifically that is.
Not every EU decisions needs to be unanimous anymore.
Foreign policy decision need to though and sanctions are such decisions. However sanctions against the settlers on the West Bank are already in place and Germany voted for them.
I suppose, I should have worded that differently.
Yes, suspending the trade agreement mentioned in the article seems to require unanimity and would likely be blocked by Germany.
There might be other measures that the EU could implement where that is not the case.
Though I admit that I have no specific idea what that could be.
Good to know.