EU should suspend dialogue – that’s behind Borrell’s demand

Berlin. Explosive move: Josep Borrell wants to talk about criticism of Israel’s way of waging war – and brings punitive measures into play.

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

The one announced orally in the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the EU States advance should now be discussed at the next meeting of foreign ministers. This will take place next Monday.

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The political dialogue with Israel is carried out through a so-called Association Agreement from the year 2000 Regulated. 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.

Israel’s conduct of war: Several EU states are demanding consequences

Borrell had already announced in October that he would hold a debate about Israel’s way of waging war at the next meeting of foreign ministers Gaza Strip and wants to lead in Lebanon. As the Spaniard’s employees explained at the time, if there was a unanimous assessment of Israel, there could be immediate consequences.

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Spain and Ireland had already suggested several months ago to extend the partnership agreement between the EU and Israel Test bench to provide. In addition to dialogue, it is also about economic cooperation in areas such as industry, energy, transport and tourism.

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Diplomats now emphasized the institutional one political dialogue suspending 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.

The EU will talk to Israel about the situation in the Gaza Strip

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 to discuss the situation in the Gaza Strip and the allegations to be able to speak against Israel. However, no agreement has been reached with the state government on organizing a meeting for several months.

Palestinians in Gaza: “Every day is a fight”

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. But EU officials emphasize that, from Borrell’s point of view, the discussion among member states could be clearly political signal represent.

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It was initially unclear how the federal government would position itself. In the past few months, his representative has spoken several times critical expressed his opinion on moves for punitive measures and emphasized that communication channels must be kept open.

Borrell is about to leave the EU

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

dpa, fmg