On November 13, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, announced his intention to propose suspending the “political dialogue” with Israel at the EU Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Brussels. This dialogue is part of a long-standing partnership agreement between the EU and Tel Aviv, established in 2000, which also covers economic cooperation in areas like industry, energy, transport, and tourism.
Borrell’s proposal was presented as a response to Israel’s ongoing aggression in Gaza, citing human rights principles enshrined in the agreement. However, EU officials clarified that suspending the political dialogue would not terminate the overall partnership agreement.
Double Standards and Calls for Sanctions
Ahead of the meeting, Borrell urged the EU to adopt consistent standards in responding to international violations. He pointed out that the EU has sanctioned other countries for similar breaches and argued that exempting Israel undermines Europe’s credibility. He also suggested banning imports of goods from Israeli settlements, similar to the EU’s actions against products from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories.
Despite this, the proposal required unanimous approval from the EU’s 27 member states—a consensus that was unlikely from the outset due to strong pro-Israel stances among some European nations.
Divisions Within the EU
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský was the first to oppose Borrell’s initiative, claiming that suspending dialogue with Israel would have no “practical effect.” Lipavský accused Borrell of inconsistency, referencing his earlier opposition to convening the EU-Israel partnership council in 2022, only to later push for its meeting.
Lipavský’s staunch support for Israel has made him a controversial figure, as demonstrated during a recent lecture in London. Pro-Palestinian students disrupted his speech, accusing him of covering up Israeli war crimes and demanding freedom for Palestine “from the river to the sea.”
Countries like Hungary, Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands also opposed Borrell’s proposal due to their strong pro-Israel positions, especially since the war in Gaza began. Conversely, Spain and Ireland had called months earlier for an urgent review of the EU-Israel partnership agreement in light of the ongoing war.
Critics Accuse Borrell of Symbolism
European observers accused Borrell of seeking a symbolic legacy rather than enacting meaningful change in the EU’s foreign policy. With his term as EU foreign policy chief nearing its end, the Brussels meeting likely represented his final opportunity to push such an initiative.
Broader Geopolitical Context
Borrell’s proposal was part of a crowded agenda at the meeting, which also addressed the Russian-Ukrainian war, alleged drone supplies from Beijing to Moscow, and the aftermath of last month’s Georgian parliamentary elections, where the pro-Russia “Georgian Dream” party claimed victory.
The ministers also discussed relations with the U.S. following the election of Donald Trump as president, the war in Sudan, and growing tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot remarked that using French missiles in Ukraine to strike Russian territory remains “an option,” reflecting intensified military support for Kyiv ahead of expected negotiations involving the newly elected Trump administration.
Europe’s Reactions to Trump’s Victory
Trump’s re-election has sparked varying reactions across Europe. Hungary openly celebrated, while other nations appeared alarmed or cautiously pragmatic. Germany, for instance, fears that Trump’s policies could jeopardize its energy security following the 2022 cessation of Russian gas supplies. Concerns about diminished U.S. defense commitments have prompted Berlin to envision a future with reduced American support.
France and Poland are advocating for a “European strategic awakening” to prepare for potential exclusion from a U.S.-brokered Russian-Ukrainian settlement. Poland, alongside Germany and other pro-Ukraine states, is maneuvering to form a coalition that reinforces support for Kyiv while addressing broader European security needs.
