Publication
Omar Shaban Ismail · Al-Monitor · 2013
Al-Monitor 2013 analysis of the EU's marginalization from the Kerry peace initiative, arguing Europe provides substantial funding but lacks diplomatic influence because of its preference for US-led diplomacy and internal coherence over assertive unilateral engagement.
Al-Monitor 2013 analysis of the EU's marginalization from the Kerry peace initiative, arguing Europe provides substantial funding but lacks diplomatic…
Editorial summary — the full article is published by Al-Monitor and cannot be reproduced here. What follows is an account of the subject written afterwards, not the original text.
European Union engagement with the Israeli-Palestinian peace process has historically been characterized by political statements and financial contributions without commensurate diplomatic influence. Palestinians have observed the EU's pattern: substantial funding for Palestinian institution-building, humanitarian assistance, and development programs, combined with a political role that remains subordinate to American diplomacy. The 2013 Kerry initiative — the U.S. Secretary of State's effort to restart direct negotiations — was a quintessential example: the EU was informed but not included in the substantive discussions. This marginalization reflects both a choice by the parties (Israel is more comfortable negotiating under American auspices) and a choice by the EU (which has historically preferred coherence among its 27 member states to a more assertive unilateral position). Palestinian leaders have repeatedly called for greater EU assertiveness, recognizing that American diplomatic engagement is structurally compromised by its unconditional support for Israel.
Topic: Palestinian-European Relations — EU · Palestinian-Israeli Conflict · Palestine — Text © Al-Monitor — archived here with attribution to the source. — Original source