Unlike the US, the EU is finally finding its conscience.
Europe stalls on closer Israel links in Gaza protest
European commission moves to upgrade political and trade links with Israel on hold, diplomats say.
European plans to turn Israel into a “privileged” partner enjoying special political, diplomatic and trade links were frozen by Brussels today in protest at the Israeli onslaught in Gaza.
Senior officials and diplomats in Brussels also said Czech pressure to stage a Europe-Israel summit to launch a new “special relationship” was facing stiff resistance and would probably not take place.
Senior figures in Brussels said the European move was ordered by Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the commissioner for external relations, who instructed various departments of the European commission to suspend implementation of a policy decided last year “to upgrade” relations between Israel and the EU.
“Senior people are saying there should be a pause in close ties between Israel and the union,” said a European diplomat.
“The commission has frozen contacts with the Israelis on practical aspects of the upgrade,” another diplomat said.
Europe stalls on closer Israel links in Gaza protest | World news | guardian.co.uk