EU foreign ministers debate action on Gaza at Copenhagen summit | DW News

Key Concepts

• EU Foreign Ministers Meeting: Discussions on the war in Gaza and potential actions against Israel.
• EU Division: Disagreement among member states on how to respond to Israel's actions.
• Proposed Measures: Sanctions, trade restrictions, tariffs, and limiting access to EU research funds.
• EU Leverage: The EU's position as Israel's largest trading partner.
• Hamas Condemnation: Unified EU condemnation of Hamas and calls for hostage release.
• Unanimity vs. Weighted Majority: Different voting requirements for various measures.
• German Role: Germany's influence and stance against measures targeting civilian cooperation.
• Criticism of EU Inaction: Accusations of failing to use leverage and tripping over a low bar.

EU's Struggle to Act on Gaza

The EU foreign ministers are meeting in Copenhagen to discuss the war in Gaza, a topic causing significant division within the bloc. Denmark's foreign minister expressed frustration with the EU's inability to translate words into action, acknowledging public frustration. The EU considers Israel a friend but has issues with the current Israeli government.

Proposed Options to Pressure Israel

The EU is considering options to pressure Israel, leveraging its position as Israel's largest trading partner. Leaked documents reveal a "menu of options," including:

• Sanctioning Israeli ministers.
• Downgrading trade ties, increasing export costs for Israeli firms.
• Levying tariffs on goods.
• Restricting Israeli startups' access to EU research funds.

The primary proposal currently under consideration is restricting access to EU research funds, but even this minimal measure faces deadlock due to disagreements among member states. Israel argues that such measures would strengthen Hamas, a claim the EU refutes.

Reasons for Lack of United Action

While the EU is united in condemning Hamas and calling for the release of hostages, deep divisions exist regarding actions against Israel.

• Spectrum of Opinions: Spain advocates for a total suspension of the EU trade deal with Israel, while Hungary is a staunch ally of Israel.
• Voting Requirements: Some measures require unanimous backing, effectively blocking them due to Hungarian opposition. Others require a weighted majority, like the research fund restriction.
• Germany's Position: Germany, as the EU's most populous member, holds significant influence. However, it opposes measures targeting civilian cooperation, believing they won't influence the Israeli government. Germany advocates for a ceasefire and has implemented national-level measures, including a partial arms embargo.

Criticism of EU Inaction

Charities and NGOs criticize the EU for failing to use its leverage and for inaction. Oxfam stated that the EU is "tripping over" a very low bar, calling it a "disgrace." EU ministers are attempting to address these criticisms, but significant divisions remain.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The EU faces significant challenges in formulating a unified response to the war in Gaza due to deep divisions among member states. While various measures to pressure Israel are being considered, disagreements over their effectiveness and appropriateness, coupled with differing voting requirements, hinder concrete action. The EU's perceived inaction has drawn strong criticism from NGOs, highlighting the bloc's struggle to reconcile its economic leverage with its internal political divisions.