Brussels – The death penalty in Israel? “The European Union urges Israel to uphold its commitment to democratic principles.” The EU’s response to US President Donald Trump’s threats regarding maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz? It is unclear. Whatever the question, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, demonstrates just how incapable the EU executive is of handling the biggest, most strategic issues – those that would require decisiveness and determination, yet instead see the College of Commissioners stammering.
The Arab-Israeli conflict and the war in Iran: two highly topical issues of major geostrategic significance, in the face of which the EU appears to be at a complete loss as to how to proceed. In addition, the spotlight is on the far from commendable approach of a Union capable of talking tough to those already in the corner, yet completely incapable of standing its ground when the other party wields significant economic and political clout. So, the Socialist (S&D), Greens, and radical left (The Left) MEPs ask what the EU intends to do in response to the Israeli bill proposing the death penalty for Palestinians.
“The EU has a principled position against the death penalty in all cases and in all circumstances,” Kallas replied, adding that the Israeli Parliament’s approval of the draft law on the death penalty “marks a grave regression from
Israel’s own practice and commitments.” For this reason, the “EU is deeply concerned about the de facto
discriminatory character of the Bill, which violates international law.” These concerns have led to the “partial suspension of the Association Agreement with regard to certain trade-related matters,” which the High Representative defends, but compared with the 20 sanctions packages against Russia adopted without hesitation, the difference is evident. When it comes to Israel, Brussels “urges Israel to abide by its previous principled position and with its obligations under
international law.”
Ultimately, the EU wavers and stutters, but in front of today’s United States, it simply stays quiet. The Left MEP, Per Clausen, presses the EU with a parliamentary question that is as clear in its preamble as in its demands. Trump’s threats regarding restrictions on shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, he argues, “are not only manifestly illegal under international law, but they also create a situation in which vessels and crew from EU countries might potentially be attacked by US forces in the area.” So, “what concrete actions will the EU take?” And furthermore, “Will US attempts to block EU ships…constitute a clear case in which the EU’s anti‑coercion mechanism should be triggered immediately?” Kallas replies: “The EU will continue to defend the principle of freedom of navigation, in accordance with
international law.”
Once again, the response amounts to no response at all. The High Representative merely states that the EU “urges all involved in the conflict to fully ensure a toll-free and safe passage through the Strait
of Hormuz.” But she offers nothing further. Only routine, formulaic statements. “The EU is engaged in the region through operation EU Naval Force ASPIDES, ensuring safe passage through the Red Sea.” The operation, Kallas insists, “includes the Strait of Hormuz in its
area of operation and can help provide security to merchant vessels, once the war ends,” though no one can say at present when it will end.
In short, the EU just stutters. It appears small in the face of major issues, and remains subordinate in a world shaped by others, for better or worse, where the European Commission plays the role of spectator and supporting actor. Kallas speaks on behalf of an entire College that is revealing all its limitations. Of course, the Member States also bear responsibility. Indeed, Jean-Claude Juncker, when he was at the helm of the European Commission, had warned that Europe was incapable of rising to the occasion on major issues. Today, the EU is stuck where it was ten years ago.
English version by the Translation Service of Withub
