Historic Quote Highlights EU’s Selective Legal Approach
The words of Italian statesman Giovanni Giolitti—“The law is interpreted for friends and applied to enemies”—are increasingly being invoked by critics of the European Union’s foreign policy, particularly regarding its relationship with Israel. The accusation: the EU is willingly turning a blind eye to Israel’s systematic breaches of international law and its own agreements with the bloc.

Association Agreement Undermined by Non-Enforcement
At the heart of the criticism lies the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which governs economic, political, and cultural ties between the two entities. This agreement includes a human rights clause, which, on paper, should be grounds for suspension in cases of grave violations. Yet despite multiple UN reports and credible investigations pointing to potential war crimes and human rights abuses committed by Israel, especially in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, the EU has failed to take meaningful action.

“Any other country violating the terms of an EU agreement to this extent would face sanctions or suspension,” said a Brussels-based human rights lawyer. “Israel is treated differently.”

EU’s Silence on Settlements and Military Offensives
Observers note that even as Israeli settlements continue to expand in contravention of international law, and military operations cause heavy civilian casualties, the EU response has remained muted. While individual member states may issue statements of concern, the bloc as a whole has refrained from taking concrete punitive measures—be it economic, diplomatic, or legal.

This inconsistency has fueled claims of hypocrisy and double standards, especially when compared to the EU’s rapid sanctions against countries like Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

Political Interests Trump Principles, Say Critics
Analysts suggest that strategic and political interests—including trade, intelligence cooperation, and the influence of pro-Israel lobbies—play a major role in shaping EU inaction. “There is a deep unwillingness to confront Israel, no matter how egregious the violations are,” said a former EU diplomat. “It’s a case of political convenience overriding legal consistency.”

Growing Civil Society Pressure on Brussels
Civil society groups across Europe are ramping up pressure on EU institutions to enforce their own legal standards. Calls for an independent review of the EU-Israel agreement, suspension of trade preferences, and greater scrutiny of Israeli military actions are growing louder, especially among human rights organizations and left-wing members of the European Parliament.

“Europe cannot credibly claim to uphold international law while offering impunity to Israel,” said a statement from a coalition of NGOs. “Selective justice is no justice at all.”

Conclusion: A Test of the EU’s Credibility
As conflicts escalate and humanitarian concerns mount in Palestine, the EU’s credibility as a promoter of human rights and international law is increasingly under scrutiny. Whether Brussels chooses to confront the contradictions in its Israel policy—or continue down the path of selective enforcement—may shape the bloc’s global reputation for years to come.

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