Zeina Alazzeh (email: z.alazzeh1@universityofgalway.ie) is a Palestinian first-year Ph.D. Researcher at the University of Galway, specializing in EU relations with Palestine. Zeina's academic journey in Ireland began with a Master's degree in International Public Policy and Diplomacy at the University College of Cork, where she developed a keen understanding of international relations. Before her current role, Zeina worked as a Research and Teaching Assistant at Birzeit University in Palestine, where she contributed to the academic and intellectual development of Palestinian students.
She currently works as a Communication and Policy Officer at the Embassy of the State of Palestine in Dublin. Her commitment to her work is rooted in her personal experiences as a woman, having been raised in the West Bank and bearing witness to the challenges faced under occupation. checkpoints, daily raids, demolition, and continuous harassment of Israeli soldiers to her people and loved ones have shaped her passion for promoting peace and justice.
While climate change poses significant challenges to all nations, its impact is particularly severe on countries living under occupation. Palestine has endured one of the most brutal forms of occupation, marked by killings, land theft, arbitrary detentions, and the systematic control of resources. The daily lives of Palestinians are deeply affected by the Israeli occupation, and as climate change continues to affect the world, its consequences will be especially profound for Palestine. But what is the European Union’s role in all of this? Leaving no one behind? Is it really the case for Palestine?
What are the European Union’s climate and green policies (e.g., European Green Deal)?
Since climate change emerged as a global threat multiplier, the European Union (EU) concentrated their aim on becoming a global leader in climate action and environmental strategies, which was later translated into the European Green Deal. The European Green Deal outlines the EU’s commitment to becoming the world’s first climate-neutral by 2050. It contained significant reduction strategies to greenhouse gas emissions, protecting biodiversity and natural ecosystems. However, the Deal is not just about reducing carbon emissions; it's about rethinking the entire economic model. It encompasses a wide array of components and initiatives, such as expanding on renewable energy sources by trying to phase out coal. By separating resource consumption from economic growth, the EU's approach aims to protect the environment while promoting economic growth. A key component of this plan is the "Fit for 55" package, which is a comprehensive collection of recommendations aimed at reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 when compared to 1990 levels. With these policies, the EU is positioned to potentially set new global standards in environmental governance and represent a significant step toward sustainability.
What values or norms do the EU’s climate and green policies represent?
The European Union (EU) is very well known for using a normative power approach when it comes to developing policies. The normative power approach is based on respecting the norms and values of the European Union and exporting these values globally. This includes respecting human rights, the rule of law, environmental protection and social justice. In the current climate change issue, the European Union’s climate and green policies are deeply rooted in values that transcend beyond the environmental aspects. At their core, these policies embody the principles of sustainability, equity, and global responsibility. The EU’s approach recognizes that the transition to a green economy must be just, ensuring that “no one is left behind”, particularly vulnerable communities and regions.
Why does the EU seek to promote green and climate policies in other countries, such as Palestine? How does the EU balance different policy tools and diplomatic strategies in its external actions, particularly towards Palestine? What factors influence the EU's policy formulation regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
With the aim of the European Union (EU) to be a leader in climate action, the EU’s commitment to environmental sustainability does not stop at its borders. Throughout the years, the EU has been the largest donor to Palestine. The Union played a significant role in the peace process and state-building efforts. This has been going for more than four decades, making it the longest involvement of the EU in the world of politics. The EU is always trying to portray itself as the neutral mediator in the peace talks while using the normative power approach in advocating for human rights. This is shaped by their continuous support of the two-state solution, which is seen as the only possible way to a lasting peace.
Before discussing the European Union's climate change policy in regards to Palestine, it is important to acknowledge that Palestinians bear two distinct burdens. One is the impacts of climate change like all other nations and two is living under Israeli occupation that continues to present difficulties, which exacerbate the effects of climate change. These difficulties include the confiscation of land, regular attacks by settlers, controlling essential water supplies, and pollution from damaged sewage systems. Furthermore, air pollution is made worse by Israeli industrial operations in different areas of the West Bank. These environmental problems have gotten worse as a result of the recent war in Gaza. Several UN reports predict that the ongoing bombardment of Gaza will cause a major environmental disaster, with severe air and land pollution being a major threat to the area.
Recognising that climate change is a global challenge requiring a coordinated response, the EU has been actively promoting for green and climate policies in Palestine. This is done through supporting green initiatives such as “the European Joint Strategy to support Palestine 2021-2024”, where the EU provides technical and financial support to help Palestine adapt to climate change and transition towards sustainable development. However, the EU's efforts are consistently thwarted by two key factors: first, Israel's ongoing destruction of EU-funded projects in Palestine, and second, the divergence of interests among member states when it comes to challenging Israel's unlawful actions.
How do member states' national interests affect the EU’s role in promoting the Israeli-Palestinian peace process? How are these national interests reflected in the EU’s overall policy?/ Has the war period had an impact on EU member states? Are the member states more united or more divided?
Considering that the European Union is a unique political entity where member states retain significant autonomy, particularly in foreign policy, there is considerable divergence among them regarding their stance on Israel and Palestine.. On the one hand, many EU countries have strong economic and trade ties with Israel, which has been influencing their stance on a lot of decisions. On the other hand, other EU countries support Palestinian statehood by pushing policies such as recognising Palestine as a state. These national interests have played a significant role in the EU’s overall stance and policies by delaying the EU’s efforts in the peace process, and in questioning Israel's human rights violations against the Palestinian people.
Looking on the most recent wars the European Union had a stance on, it can be found that their divergence and cohesion might be seen to depend on the countries involved in the war. On the one hand, the EU’s response to the Russia-Ukraine war has demonstrated a remarkable level of unity among its member states. The rapid agreement on sanctions against Russia, the coordination of humanitarian aid, and the collective support for Ukraine have underscored the EU’s ability to act decisively when its core values are threatened. This unity has strengthened the EU’s internal solidarity and bolstered its position on the global stage.
However, when it comes to Israel and Palestine, their stance has exposed some of the underlying divisions within the EU. While there is a broad consensus on the need for a two-state solution, member states differ on the specifics of how to achieve this goal, particularly when it comes to the balance between supporting Israel’s security needs and advocating for Palestinian rights. These differences reflect the diverse political, economic, and historical ties that member states have with the region, leading to varying perspectives on how the EU should engage in the peace process.
Is the EU double standards real?
Has the current period of war (e.g., the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Israel conflict) impacted the EU’s global image? Has it affected the EU's foreign policy?
The European Union’s global image and its foreign policy have been criticised by many scholars in the last period for being indecisive. Seeing the EU’s response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, it can be noticed that it has been widely praised, showcasing the European Union’s aility to unite in the face of aggression and defend democratic values. The EU’s strong sanctions against Russia, coupled with its support for Ukraine, have bolstered its reputation as a defender of international law and human rights. But why is it not acting enough when it comes to Palestine? Here, the EU has faced criticism, particularly in the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza at the moment. The Israeli brutal aggression has resulted in the tragic killing of more than 40,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children. In addition, 90,000 Palestinians have been severely injured. The Israeli occupation forces have also detained more than 9,000 many of whom have suffered from brutal beating and sexual assaults. Now there are over 1.7 million Palestinians in Gaza that were forcibly displaced. All of these violations are part of many violations that Israel has committed since the 7th of October, and the EU has not been questioning enough. However, The European Union (EU) has been pushing for a ceasefire deal.
This on its own has sparked debates about the EU’s role on the global stage, with some questioning whether it can maintain its image as a principled actor in international affairs. These conflicts have prompted the EU to reassess its foreign policy.
Has the Israel conflict changed Palestinian perceptions of the EU and China? Have the images of the EU and China changed?/ What impact do you think China's stance on the Palestinian issue has on the EU's policy-making and implementation? Specifically, how is this influence manifested in interactions within multilateral institutions and international organizations?
The ongoing Israeli occupation has significantly influenced Palestinian perceptions of both the European Union and China, two major global powers with distinct approaches to the Middle East. Traditionally, the EU has been seen as a relatively neutral actor in the region, committed to promoting peace and providing humanitarian aid. However, recent events have led some Palestinians to view the EU’s stance as weak, and with double standards. Particularly in comparison to China’s more vocal support for Palestinian rights. This was reflected in the recent talks in Beijing, where China facilitated an agreement on an "Interim National Unity Government" between 14 Palestinian factions, including Fatah and Hamas. The agreement aims to govern post-war Gaza and achieve the Palestinian national unity that is needed.. This agreement has increasingly positioned China as a prominent ally of the Palestinian cause, leveraging its growing influence in international organizations to advocate for Palestinian statehood. This shift is leading to a changing dynamic, where China is seen as a more active and reliable partner, while the EU’s image may be perceived as less assertive. These changing perceptions reflect the broader geopolitical shifts in the region.
Conclusion
Amid the ongoing Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, the European Union is under increasing pressure to align its policies with broader international norms. Israel’s brutal aggression is resulting in catastrophic consequences, both for the Palestinian people and the land itself. The 7th of October events did not fall out of a vacuum, the Israeli occupation’s oppression has been continuous for over 75 years. Despite the long-standing involvement of the European Union in Palestine, it has been repeatedly criticized for not holding Israel accountable for its actions against Palestinians. As the EU works to establish itself as a global leader in climate action, it faces challenges in fully supporting Palestinians in addressing the impacts of climate change. While financial aid is important, it alone may not be enough to address the complex challenges they encounter.
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