Brussels, 11/05/2016 (Agence Europe) - During a debate on the evening of Tuesday 10 May, MEPs were divided over the issue of Israel's demolition of structures financed by the EU and its member states in the West Bank. Seeing the extent to which the MEPS were divided, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini called on them to close ranks.
A number of MEPs criticised the demolition. “The time has come to prevent this type of action. It's not only about saving European taxpayers' money but also about safeguarding peace in Palestine”, said Victor Bostinaru (S&D, Romania). Criticising the increased rate of demolition and Europe's silence, Hilde Vautmans (ALDE, Belgium) said she wanted the EU to “insist on international law being upheld on both sides”. “Over 500 homes and other structures have been demolished in the first quarter of 2016. That's more than for the whole of 2015 (…) An end needs to be put to this type of action and to Israel's impunity”, said Martina Anderson (GUE, UK).
Margrete Auken (Green, Denmark) and Rosa d'Amato (EFDD, Italy) were tougher, calling for sanctions. “Words are not enough in the face of these violations of law and this destruction. We need action. We should demand compensation and stop aid for Israel under Horizon 2020”, Auken stated. “Although the EU has asked Israel to protect the EU's projects, they have been demolished. It's time for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini to demand repair for this destruction”, Amato added.
By contrast, other MEPs considered that the EU was financing illegal structures. Stating that Israel has “repeatedly” criticised this financing, Cristian Dan Preda (EPP, Romania) said he wanted the Council to reflect “above all on the coordination needed with Israel”. This coordination “already exists between Israel and certain member states. It would perhaps be good to broaden it”, he added. “With the funding of illegal projects in Area C, we are violating the Oslo agreements. Unilateral actions conducted in the principle of humanitarian law disregard Israeli interests and only inflame the conflict - not to mention the waste of money. We need to demand that an end be put to all illegal aid for the construction of buildings in Area C”, said Bas Belder (ECR, Netherlands).
EU to continue funding humanitarian projects. Mogherini underlined the humanitarian aspect of the EU funding. “There is the principle of neutrality and impartiality (…) We will not renounce this principle. It's untouchable”, she said. “When it's a matter of a humanitarian project, it's not conceivable for us to ask for authorisation from the Israeli authorities”, she added. According to Mogherini, 500 houses and other structures were demolished in the first quarter of 2016 and 20% of the structures had benefitted from European funding. She stated that the EU discussed the destruction with the Israelis through a specific mechanism for six months, which was initiated on 17 September 2015 and which was then extended for a further six months. “Tangible results are still awaited”, she regretted, but she said the member states are putting pressure on the Israelis for a moratorium on their demolitions and confiscations. “We are committed with the member states to agreeing on a common message, including on the issue of possible repayment or compensation for European assets that have been confiscated or demolished”, she added. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)