EU credibility at risk over Israel actions in Palestine, Andrews says

Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews has warned that the European Union runs the risk of being “complicit” in illegal Israeli actions in Palestine.

On Monday, foreign ministers for all EU member states will decide whether Israel breached human rights conditions under the terms of the EU-Israel Trade Agreement, and will then decide on what action to take.

An independent report published on Thursday by various MEPs from different parties and groupings found that there are “clear” legal grounds for the EU to take legal action against Israel, per Andrews.

“Monday’s meeting will be a watershed moment for the credibility of the EU, which has been widely criticised for its inaction on Palestine,” Andrews said.”

“We, the five co-signing MEPs, believe that this independent expert report leaves the EU no room to avoid taking concrete action against Israel.”

The Fianna Fáil MEP said “the report outlines that the EU must reassess its policy regarding trade with Israel that entrenches illegal settlements in the West Bank, including a potential ban on such trade.”

“The EU’s current policy – merely requesting that products from the settlements are labelled and excluded from preferential trade tariffs – is not designed to prevent such trade dealings, a duty clearly stated by the Court.”

Andrews said “the EU must significantly tighten its rules for ongoing funding of Israeli companies and institutions through the research cooperation programme Horizon Europe and the European Investment Bank, in order to meet the obligations identified by the Court, and potentially suspend such payments altogether.”

“Arms exports licences must be reassessed in light of armed violence committed against Palestinians by Israeli settlers and Israeli security forces as identified by the Court.”

He explained that the findings of the report stem from the International Court of Justice’s findings about Israel’s long-term occupation of Palestine.

“The current horrors in Gaza – that the Court didn’t address – come on top and impose an even greater urgency to act,” he said.

 “The EU-Israel trade agreement is vital to the Israeli economy. Monday is the time for the EU, finally, to act.

“This report should set a legal and political foundation for national responses. For example, Ireland’s ongoing debate around banning settlement goods. Ireland can and should lead by example in this regard.”

“This report removes the excuses. The law is clear. The evidence is overwhelming. The time for statements has passed and we need consequences. “