EU's Diminishing Political Influence in the Middle East

The European Union (EU) has long been viewed as a significant economic power, especially in the context of global trade and finance. However, its political influence, particularly in the Middle East, has been waning in recent years. This decline is particularly evident when compared to the United States, which has historically maintained a strong grip on the region's political dynamics. The EU's struggle to assert itself politically in the Middle East can be traced back to its endorsement of the US-sponsored peace accords between the Palestine Liberation Organization and Israel, which sidelined the EU as a key player in the peace process.

In recent years, the EU's political clout has diminished further, especially following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. This event triggered a brutal Israeli military response in Gaza, which has since escalated into a wider conflict affecting Lebanon as well. The EU's response has been marked by division among its member states, with many leaders initially rallying behind Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's assertion of Israel's right to defend itself. However, as the situation unfolded, it became evident that the Israeli military actions were not solely aimed at Hamas but were also resulting in significant civilian casualties and destruction of infrastructure.

Despite the EU's historical role as a supporter of Palestinian rights, its current stance appears fragmented. Countries like Hungary and Austria have resisted calls for collective action against Israel, while the EU's foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, has faced restrictions from the Israeli government for his outspoken criticism of its actions in Gaza. This lack of unity has been further highlighted by the recognition of a Palestinian state by Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia, while the UK, which played a pivotal role in the conflict's origins, has remained silent on the matter.

Germany, often seen as the EU's political and economic powerhouse, has continued its unwavering support for Israel, even in the face of allegations of war crimes. Meanwhile, Italy and France have taken steps to halt military shipments to Israel, reflecting a growing concern among some EU members about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. However, the EU has struggled to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Biden administration regarding the situation, largely due to its dependence on US support for its policies, particularly concerning Ukraine.

While the EU remains the largest donor to Palestinian welfare organizations and the Palestinian Authority, this financial support is undermined by its inability to take a decisive political stance that could influence the situation on the ground. The imposition of sanctions on Jewish settler groups in the West Bank has not deterred the far-right Israeli government from escalating violence against Palestinians. Furthermore, when South Africa brought charges of genocide against Israel to the International Court of Justice, Germany and the UK intervened to defend Israel, despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Historically, the EU has been a progressive force advocating for Palestinian rights, as evidenced by the Venice Declaration of 1980, which recognized the Palestinian right to self-determination. However, the EU's internal challenges, including economic struggles, rising inflation, and the impact of geopolitical events like Russia's invasion of Ukraine, have eroded its ability to act decisively on the international stage.

As the EU grapples with its diminishing influence in the Middle East, it faces a critical juncture. The rise of euroskeptic leaders in member states poses a threat to the EU's foundational principles of unity and cooperation. The ongoing Gaza conflict has underscored the need for a coherent and unified EU foreign policy that prioritizes human rights and seeks to address the root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Without a concerted effort to reclaim its political voice, the EU risks becoming increasingly irrelevant in a region where its historical ties and economic power should afford it a more significant role.