Several MEPs urged the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, on Tuesday 16 April to do more for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine (see also other news).
While Elena Valenciano (S&D, Spain) denounced the EU's “timid” responses, Hilde Vautmans (ALDE, Belgium) called on the High Representative to “present even more clearly [the] European Parliament position”. “You must be even more clearly the spokesperson for this only viable solution, the two-state solution”, she added during a debate on the United States' recognition of the Golan Heights as Israeli territory and the possible annexation of settlements in the West Bank.
Turning words into deeds
For some MEPs, judgements are no longer sufficient. “So far, Israel’s illegal occupation has cost it nothing. Now we need to move on to action”, said Margrete Auken of Denmark for the Greens/EFA, calling for a break with the colonies and the publication of a list of companies that work with them.
Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL, Portugal) and Maria Arena (S&D, Belgium) both called for the suspension of the Association Agreement with Israel, and Ms Arena even asked that there be no negotiations on a trade agreement with the United States. “Only then will these countries respond to the wish for a two-state solution. Europe must take up the torch and defend the two-state policy”, she explained.
In contrast, for Bas Belder (ECR, the Netherlands), the EU must follow the American movement and recognise the Golan Heights as Israeli territory, emphasising the “historical and biblical link between Israel and the Golan”.
An unthinkable recognition for Ms Mogherini (see EUROPE 12220/17), who also warned that abandoning a two-state solution “will bring even more chaos” and regretted a lack of political will on both sides and a disunited international community. “Keeping this [two-state] perspective alive is the most courageous contribution to make, which the EU will continue to defend in the coming months, along with those who want lasting peace”, she promised. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)