The European Union (EU) is struggling to reach a consensus on how to respond to Israel’s ongoing military campaign. Over 63,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in Gaza since October 2023. The EU is now calling for sanctions and demanding proper action to be taken from both citizens and political leaders.
Von der Leyen calls for action amid catastrophe
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the situation in Gaza in her annual State of the Union address on September 10 and announced a proposed set of measures aimed at pressuring Israel to halt its attacks. These measures include sanctions on extremist Israeli ministers and settlers, suspension of bilateral support, and a review of the EU-Israel association agreement, which currently grants Israel preferential access to European markets.
“Man-made famine can never be a weapon of war. For the sake of the children, for the sake of humanity, this must stop.”
Von der Leyen emphasized that individual member states must also take responsibility, and she will push for unity within the bloc:
“Europe needs to do more… Real security for Israel and a safe, present future for all Palestinians.”
Her remarks received harsh backlash from Israeli officials. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused von der Leyen of echoing false propaganda of Hamas and claiming her statements strengthen Hamas and the controversial alliance in the Middle East.
EU foreign ministers are divided in Copenhagen
EU foreign ministers met in Copenhagen to discuss potential actions against Israel just days before von der Leyen’s address. The meeting exposed internal rifts within the 27-member bloc.
“It’s clear that member states disagree on how to get the Israeli government to change course.”
Spain, Ireland, and Denmark move to impose sanctions and an arms embargo; however, countries like Germany, Hungary, and Italy oppose these measures.
“I’m not very optimistic, and today we are definitely not going to adopt decisions. It sends a signal that we are divided. Doing nothing has failed to achieve anything, nearly two years into the Gaza war. So the time of declarations is really over. We have to move forward.”
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen is more direct, saying that officials must change words into sanctions:
“Denmark is ready to suspend the trade chapter in the association agreement and put sanctions on the Netanyahu government and some ministers in his government.”
In a powerful open letter, 58 former EU ambassadors accused the European Union of complicity in what they call “atrocity crimes”
The ambassadors called for immediate actions, including:
- Suspension of all arms and dual-use exports to Israel.
- A ban on trade with Israeli settlements.
- Targeted sanctions on Israeli ministers and military officials.
- Recognition of Palestinian statehood
Public pressure and humanitarian concerns mount
The EU’s internal debate comes amid growing public pressure. Protests started across European cities with citizens demanding that governments take stronger stances against Israel’s actions in Gaza. The humanitarian situation is intensifying as the days go on. A global hunger monitor from the UN recently confirmed famine conditions in the enclave. Israel has rejected this finding despite mounting evidence.
“What is happening there is haunting me and should haunt all of us. Because this is a tragedy. And we will be judged by history.”
The EU’s inability to impose these sanctions remains a problem, despite many calls for action. It is a requirement for agreements to be reached amongst all member states about these sanctions, a requirement that has historically blocked efforts to take decisive action when key countries remain opposed. The EU now faces a critical test of values. Can they overcome their internal divisions and overcome the immense pressure from both internal and external parties? Parties need to act fast as the war continues in Gaza.