Since the 1980s, the EU’s diplomatic declarations have highlighted how respect for international law is a crucial component of the resolution of the conflict. However, its policy towards the conflict has been characterised by a growing gap between its legal commitments and vision of a peaceful Middle East – based on respect for international law and a two-State solution-, and the implementation of its policies on the ground through its bilateral relations with Israel and the PA.
The current deadlock in the Middle East Peace Process, along with the revision of the European Neighbourhood Policy in the wake of the Arab Revolutions, offers an opportunity to the EU to revise its policy vis-à-vis the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and mainstream international law in its relations with both parties.
In its latest report, EMHRN (together with APRODEV) has analysed the different avenues for the EU to promote Israel’s compliance with its obligations as an occupying power, and to ensure that its contractual relations with Israel are in full compliance with its own obligations under international law.