Ruben Brekelmans Signals EU Action on Israel Amid Deep Divisions

The European Union remains deeply divided over measures against Israel, with the Netherlands, led by Foreign Minister Ruben Brekelmans, advocating for stronger action. Brekelmans said a small group of EU nations may form a core action group, though consensus among all 27 member states appears unlikely. He described the debate as “polarizing” but expressed hope that the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Copenhagen could bring countries closer together.
Brekelmans highlighted concerns over Israel’s E1 settlement near Jerusalem, which hinders the prospects for a Palestinian state, and the deteriorating situation in Gaza. Together with Sweden, the Netherlands has urged the EU to increase pressure on Israel, including suspending parts of the EU-Israel trade agreement, adding Israeli ministers to the EU sanctions list, and temporarily barring Israel from the Horizon research program. Measures against Hamas were also supported. Brekelmans noted, however, that any EU actions would likely have limited impact but stressed that even small contributions matter.
In parallel, the Netherlands is hosting international researchers and journalists from conflict zones under the Safe Haven Fellows program. Scholars and journalists from Gaza and Turkey have arrived to continue work on issues ranging from war reporting to censorship, reflecting the country’s commitment to academic freedom and global knowledge exchange.
The situation in Ukraine was also a key topic for Brekelmans, who underscored the need for continued international pressure against Russia following renewed attacks, linking the EU’s global security priorities with its policies on conflict zones worldwide.