Borrell clashes with EU states over Ukraine and Middle East

Brussels – The EU does a lot and produces too little. The EU’s High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, is self-critical and then criticizes the member states. Regarding Ukraine, there are delays and broken promises; regarding how Israel is handling the Hamas offensive, there is turning a blind eye to what should be condemned.

At the ongoing informal meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels, Borrell goes to the press conference with the Ukrainian foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, to allow the partner to air all his opposition to a two-speed EU. “I will raise an issue that for us is frightening,” namely “the gap between announcements on military assistance and actual delivery,” a visibly displeased Kuleba said. “Every delay we pay for. Whatever the reason for the delays, it is time to make decisions operational,” he said, referring to the air defense systems that the EU agreed to provide to Kyiv.

“I share the concerns, and we will talk about it with the ministers” of member states, Borrell said. The High Representative wants to put pressure on governments and push for a change of pace considering how things are going. “The operations in Kursk are a blow to Putin’s narrative.” It means Ukraine is gaining ground, but Russia “will not stop striking” as long as Ukraine can fully defend itself. Translated, in plain terms, “air defense systems were critical before the summer; they are still much more critical today.” 

Borrell apologizes to Kuleba and publicly accuses the member states. “Kuleba is right: announcements are one thing, implementation is another. I will push states to give what they promised because better-equipped armed forces are the key to allowing us to win the war.”

However, the High Representative’s fury goes to the 27 member states for how they are not handling the crisis in the Middle East. He calls for finding the courage that has been lacking so far. “We should not have taboos” when it comes to Israel, he stresses. Once again, Borrell goes on a head-on attack of the current Israeli government. “An Israeli minister launches outpourings of hate that are a clear invitation to trample on humanitarian law,” Borrell recalls, referring to the Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, who advocated starving the population in Gaza.

Then there is “the concerning intention to move people from the West Bank as already done in Gaza,” the High Representative again points out, producing displaced people and effectively dispersing Palestinians from their territories. Something that is “completely unacceptable”. Israel has crossed the line, and the EU should make itself heard decisively and without wavering, just as Borrell feels should be done with regarding Ukraine. The informal council of foreign ministers will be an opportunity for a scolding.