This episode of The Electronic Intifada live stream discusses the European Union's recent decision not to suspend its association agreement with Israel, despite a review concluding that Israel is violating the agreement's human rights clause. Guest David Cronin, an associate editor and expert on EU-Israel relations, analyzes the political dynamics behind this inaction. He identifies Germany as the primary obstacle to any punitive measures against Israel, highlighting its role as a key arms supplier and its political stance of protecting Israel. The discussion also scrutinizes the controversial activities of Katharina von Schnurbain, the EU's coordinator for combating antisemitism, accusing her of overstepping her mandate to act as a pro-Israel advocate, weaponizing antisemitism to shield Israel from criticism, and smearing Palestine solidarity efforts. The segment contrasts the EU's high-level political paralysis with growing grassroots pressure in member states like Ireland, which is taking limited steps against Israel while also facing criticism for its own hypocritical financial dealings that support Israel's war effort.
EU's Inaction on Israel: An Analysis of Political Blocking and Grassroots Resistance
00:00:06 EU Refuses to Sanction Israel: The European Union decided not to suspend its trade and cooperation agreement with Israel, despite an internal review finding that Israel is in violation of the agreement's human rights clause.
00:00:16 Condemnation from Human Rights Groups: Agnes Callamard, Secretary-General of Amnesty International, called the decision a "cruel and unlawful betrayal" that gives Israel a "green light to continue its genocide in Gaza."
01:30 Voluntary Agreement Replaces Sanctions: Instead of imposing sanctions, EU foreign minister Kaja Kallas announced a "voluntary agreement" with Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza, a deal that lacks any enforcement mechanism. The next opportunity for action is not until October.
06:54 Germany Identified as Main Obstacle: Expert David Cronin states that Germany is the biggest obstacle to EU action against Israel. He argues that Germany, a top arms supplier to Israel, is now actively supporting a 21st-century genocide to "atone" for its 20th-century holocaust.
09:16 EU Official Accused of Acting as an Israeli Agent: The discussion turns to Katharina von Schnurbain, the EU's coordinator for combating antisemitism. She is accused of overstepping her mandate to act as an agent for Israel, paid for by EU taxpayers.
12:22 Official Labels Gaza Charity "Anti-Semitic": Recent revelations show von Schnurbain described a bake sale organized by her colleagues to raise money for a Gaza appeal as "ambient anti-semitism." This has led to calls from Members of the European Parliament for her resignation.
15:51 Smearing Palestine Solidarity: Von Schnurbain is actively trying to ban slogans like "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" and has alleged that the concerns of 17 EU governments about Israel's actions were based on "rumors about Jews," not facts.
17:23 High-Level Support for Pro-Israel Agenda: It is noted that von Schnurbain now works directly under European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, indicating top-level support for her agenda of weaponizing antisemitism to defend Israel.
20:26 Exposing EU Hypocrisy: Kaja Kallas, who advocates for punishing Russia with numerous sanctions packages, explicitly stated that the EU's aim is "not to punish Israel," highlighting a clear double standard in the EU's foreign policy.
23:15 Grassroots Pressure in Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia: In contrast to the EU's inaction, popular movements have pushed governments in countries like Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia to officially recognize the situation in Gaza as a genocide.
24:01 Ireland Moves to Ban Settlement Goods: As a result of sustained popular pressure, the Irish government is finally moving forward with legislation to ban goods from illegal Israeli settlements.
26:42 Irish Hypocrisy on Israeli War Bonds: Despite condemning the genocide, the Irish government allows the sale of Israeli bonds to be hosted in Dublin. Cronin notes these bonds are directly helping to finance the very war in Gaza that the government claims to oppose.