Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard voices her frustration over the EU's inability to take decisive action against Israel's military actions in Gaza. Despite support from several countries, including Sweden, the EU remains divided on measures such as freezing Israel's participation in Horizon Europe. Stenergard emphasizes the need for collective EU action and criticizes the lack of additional proposals from the EU Commission.
Maria Malmer Stenergard Expresses Frustration Over EU's Stance on Gaza
Maria Malmer Stenergard Expresses Frustration Over EU's Stance on Gaza
EU countries remain divided on taking tougher action against Israel for its military operations in Gaza. "I am frustrated," says Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M) in Copenhagen.
The EU Commission wants to signal to Israel by freezing parts of the country's participation in the Horizon Europe research collaboration. However, even this is not expected to be agreed upon by member states at today's informal foreign ministers' meeting in Copenhagen.
Many, including Sweden, support the proposal.
"We support this proposal. We have also suggested stopping the trade part of the association agreement," says Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard on her way to the meeting.
"Obligation to Act"
The frustration is evident in both her and the host of the meeting, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen.
"I am frustrated. People are frustrated. We must move from words to action," says Løkke Rasmussen.
"I am frustrated that the EU cannot make decisions on these important issues. We are confronted daily with terrible images of suffering in Gaza, and it is our duty to act," says Malmer Stenergard.
Hungary, in particular, is holding back and blocking parts that require unanimity, such as sanctions against ministers.
"I am Distressed"
Malmer Stenergard is also critical of the EU Commission for not presenting more action proposals.
"The only thing that has been on the table so far is the suspension of parts of this research collaboration, but we can't even achieve a qualified majority for that, so I am frustrated," says the Foreign Minister.
She sees no clear ways for Sweden to act independently.
"We have no national sanctions regime, and trade policy is also something that is common to the EU. I am also convinced that if it is really going to have an effect, we must do things together in the EU, but of course, I am also distressed that we are not getting further and faster," says Malmer Stenergard.