Israel’s EU relations on the brink? Borrell wants to suspend talks

EU chief diplomat Josep Borrell suggests European Union member states suspend regular political dialogue with Israel. The German Press Agency learned from EU officials in the evening in Brussels that the background was reports from independent international organizations that suggested that Israel was violating human rights and international humanitarian law.

The move, which was verbally announced in the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the EU states, will now be discussed at the next meeting of foreign ministers. This will take place next Monday.

The political dialogue with Israel is regulated by a so-called association agreement from 2000. Among other things, it provides for regular exchanges to strengthen relationships and further develop the partnership. It also states that relations between the contracting parties are based on respect for human rights and the principles of democracy.

Borrell had already announced in October that he wanted to hold a debate about Israel’s way of waging war in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon at the next meeting of foreign ministers. As the Spaniard’s employees explained at the time, if there was a unanimous assessment to the detriment of Israel, consequences could be imposed immediately. Spain and Ireland had already suggested reviewing the partnership agreement between the EU and Israel several months ago. In addition to dialogue, this is also about economic cooperation in areas such as industry, energy, transport and tourism.

Diplomats now emphasized that suspending the institutional political dialogue does not mean suspending the so-called Association Agreement or the Association Council. Instead, it could even be that this issue will be discussed in the Association Council with Israel, it was said.

According to diplomats, Borrell’s move can also be explained by the fact that the EU had long ago asked Israel for a meeting of the Association Council in order to be able to discuss the situation in the Gaza Strip and the allegations against Israel. However, no agreement has been reached with the Israeli government on organizing a meeting for several months.

It is unlikely that Borrell’s proposal to suspend the dialogue will receive the necessary unanimous approval. The reason is that countries like Hungary and the Czech Republic have so far clearly been on Israel’s side. However, EU officials emphasize that, from Borrell’s point of view, the discussion among member states could send a clear political signal.

It was initially unclear how the federal government would position itself. In recent months, representatives have repeatedly expressed criticism of moves for punitive measures and emphasized that communication channels must be kept open.

The Israel move could be Borrell’s last major diplomatic initiative before he leaves the position of EU foreign policy chief. The member states selected former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas as his successor in the summer. She can take over the top post if the European Parliament confirms the new EU Commission. The process for this is already underway. Borrell came into office on December 1, 2019.