Dispute Over Israel Sanctions Deepens Divisions Within the EU
World
A debate over possible sanctions against Israeli settlements has intensified internal divisions within the European Union and fueled a broader struggle over who shapes the bloc's common foreign policy.
According to Euractiv, tensions between EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have entered an open phase. The disagreement centers on proposals to impose restrictive measures on Israeli settlements in the occupied territories.
Kallas, backed by a group of 11 member states led by France and Spain, is reportedly advocating tougher measures, including a trade embargo on products originating from the settlements. Von der Leyen, however, has taken a more cautious approach and is reluctant to support a complete ban.
The European Commission has circulated legal guidance outlining several options, ranging from tighter licensing requirements and higher tariffs to a full trade ban. The main dispute concerns the decision-making procedure. Supporters of sanctions argue that the measures could be approved by a qualified majority, while the Commission insists that unanimous approval by all 27 member states is required, effectively allowing any country to block the proposal.
Earlier, Kaja Kallas stated that the European Union was not prepared to impose broad sanctions or suspend trade agreements with Israel because consensus among member states had not been reached. The ongoing disagreement highlights the continuing challenges the EU faces in developing a unified foreign policy on Middle East issues.
Kallas, backed by a group of 11 member states led by France and Spain, is reportedly advocating tougher measures, including a trade embargo on products originating from the settlements. Von der Leyen, however, has taken a more cautious approach and is reluctant to support a complete ban.
The European Commission has circulated legal guidance outlining several options, ranging from tighter licensing requirements and higher tariffs to a full trade ban. The main dispute concerns the decision-making procedure. Supporters of sanctions argue that the measures could be approved by a qualified majority, while the Commission insists that unanimous approval by all 27 member states is required, effectively allowing any country to block the proposal.
Earlier, Kaja Kallas stated that the European Union was not prepared to impose broad sanctions or suspend trade agreements with Israel because consensus among member states had not been reached. The ongoing disagreement highlights the continuing challenges the EU faces in developing a unified foreign policy on Middle East issues.
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