Tension is running high not only among the 27 member states but also EU’s civil servants. Read more at straitstimes.com.
LONDON – With the European Union divided over the course it should adopt in the Middle East, its heads of state and governments meeting in Brussels for their regular summit are devoting a substantial amount of time to coordinating their approach to the crisis.
In an unprecedented step, over 850 EU officials accused Dr Ursula von der Leyen, the president of EU’s executive body, the European Commission, of unilaterally taking Israel’s side in the conflict, thereby contributing to what they termed as a “European cacophony”, a loud mixture of diplomatic noise, with no coherent message.
The bloc has two bodies: the European Council, which represents the heads of state and governments of the 27 members, and the European Commission, which runs all daily operations and employs around 32,000 civil servants. Although awkward, the arrangement sometimes works well: in the case of Ukraine, for instance, the Council and Commission acted in unison.Oct 7 Hamas attack on Israel,
Dr von der Leyen attracted further controversy when, during a policy speech in Washington last week, she prioritised Israel’s right to defend itself after Hamas’ assault. But, she neglected to mention the core EU position that Israel must allow Palestinians to have their state.Dispensing with diplomatic niceties, Mr Michel, the European Council president, bluntly reminded Dr von der Leyen that the Council, not her Commission, defines the EU’s foreign policy.
Hours later, Mr Varhelyi’s announcement was overturned by the European Commission, which decided to double its aid to Palestine.The two-day EU summit that ends on Friday can only examine deep policy and personnel differences.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
US, Russian bids on Israel-Hamas war fail at Security CouncilUNITED NATIONS: The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday (Oct 25) failed again to take action on the Israel-Hamas war, with Russia and China vetoing a United States-led dra
Read more »
Israel-Hamas war already affecting regional economies: IMF headRIYADH: The raging war between Israel and Hamas is already battering the economies of nearby countries, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund told a Saudi investor forum
Read more »
Biden, Saudi crown prince discuss Israel-Hamas war diplomacyWASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman on Tuesday (Oct 24) discussed efforts to prevent the Israel-Hamas conflict from widening, the White House said.
Read more »
'Humanitarian pause' in Hamas-Israel war is urged to aid Gaza civiliansGAZA: The United Nations, United States and Canada appealed on Tuesday (Oct 24) for a humanitarian pause in the Israel-Hamas war to allow safe deliveries of aid to civilians stricken by shortages of food, water, medicine and electricity in the Israeli-besieged enclave.
Read more »
Biden treads tightrope on Israel-Hamas ceasefireWASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden's administration is treading a tightrope on Israel, with Washington firmly backing its ally while urging caution and calling for pauses in the fighting to get aid into Gaza.
Read more »