The European Commission’s proposal to sanction Israel has set the stage for a profound test of European unity. The plan’s ambition is matched only by the difficulty of its implementation, as it requires navigating the treacherous waters of the foreign policy interests and historical allegiances of 27 different member states.
The EU’s foundational principle of “unity in diversity” will be stretched to its limit. On one side are countries like Spain and Ireland, who have been pushing for such measures for months. On the other are staunch allies of Israel like Hungary and the Czech Republic, who view the proposal as a dangerous and biased move.
The success or failure of the proposal will depend on the bloc’s ability to forge a common position out of these deeply divergent views. This will require intense diplomatic negotiations, with potential for compromises, watered-down measures, or a complete stalemate. A failure to agree would publicly display the EU’s disunity, undermining its credibility as a foreign policy actor.
This is more than a vote on Israel; it is a vote on the EU’s capacity to act collectively on the world stage. Proponents argue that a unified stance, even a difficult one, is necessary to project European power and values. Opponents fear that forcing the issue will create lasting divisions and damage the cohesion of the Union.
The world is watching to see if the EU can overcome its internal fractures to speak with one voice. The outcome will be a defining moment for the bloc’s foreign policy and its role in the 21st century.