The EU’s Credibility Crisis in the Global South
The European Union (EU) is facing a growing credibility crisis, particularly among nations in the Global South. This issue stems from what many perceive as double standards in how the bloc applies international law, especially concerning its response to conflicts in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip. A former EU ambassador to the Palestinian occupied territories and the Gaza Strip has highlighted this concern, emphasizing that such inconsistencies are undermining the EU’s ability to build stronger trade and economic relationships with these countries.
Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff, who served as the EU ambassador to the Palestinian territories between 2020 and 2023, has voiced his concerns about the EU’s stance on global issues. He pointed out that while the EU acted swiftly against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it has been notably absent in addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This perceived lack of action has led to a loss of trust among many countries in the Global South, which are crucial for future trade and economic partnerships.
Kühn von Burgsdorff noted that only a few countries from the Global South, such as the Bahamas and Micronesia, have shown support for the EU’s position on the war against Russia. This lack of backing highlights the challenge the EU faces in being seen as a credible partner in promoting human rights and upholding international law.
The Situation in Gaza
Since October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israeli communities near Gaza, the situation in the region has deteriorated significantly. The conflict has resulted in over 60,000 casualties in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry. The United Nations has also reported that intermittent blockages of aid since March have contributed to famine and widespread starvation.
Kühn von Burgsdorff emphasized that the actions taken by Israel in Gaza have not adhered to established principles of international humanitarian law, including the distinction between military and civilian targets, proportionality, and precautionary measures to minimize civilian harm. He argued that the EU must take more decisive action to address the ongoing violence and protect innocent lives.
EU Inaction and Humanitarian Aid
The EU’s inaction has also drawn criticism, particularly regarding the humanitarian aid deal struck with Israel. The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, announced a substantial increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, but the reality has been far from this promise. Instead of allowing more aid into the region, the situation has worsened, with hundreds of civilians killed at aid distribution points.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, co-managed by Israel and the US, has been responsible for distributing food in the Gaza Strip since April. However, the foundation has faced significant criticism for its practices, including allegations of shootings by the Israeli army at starving people trying to reach food supplies. As of July 13, the UN reported that 875 people had died while attempting to access food.
Proposals for EU Action
In response to the ongoing crisis, the 58 former EU ambassadors, including Kühn von Burgsdorff, have proposed several measures to hold Israel accountable. These include suspending trade agreements, ending research and cultural collaboration, and halting arms sales to Israel. While fully suspending the agreement would require consensus among all 27 member states, the ambassadors suggested acting through a qualified majority, which could allow for commercial policy measures such as suspending preferential trade arrangements with Israel.
Additionally, the proposals call for sanctions against violent Israeli settlers and ministers who advocate for the eviction or annihilation of Palestinians. The ex-EU envoys also recommended halting academic research and technological programs under the EU’s Horizon Europe initiative, where Israel has been a major beneficiary.
Despite these proposals, EU diplomats have struggled to agree on a partial suspension of Israel from the Horizon Europe fund. The failure to reach a qualified majority on this matter highlights the challenges the EU faces in taking concrete action against the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Conclusion
The EU’s credibility in the Global South is at stake due to its perceived double standards in applying international law. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the EU’s inaction have eroded trust among many countries, making it increasingly difficult to build strong trade and economic partnerships. As the situation continues to evolve, the EU must find a way to demonstrate a commitment to human rights and international law, not just in words but in actions.