‘Weak Minister’: Dutch Foreign Policy Chief Calls for Review of EU-Israel Trade Agreement

Latest Developments

• Veldkamp Critical of Israel’s Gaza Aid Plans: The Netherlands is pushing for a review of the European Union’s (EU’s) trade agreement with Israel, expressing frustration over the lack of humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip. Ahead of an EU foreign ministers meeting in Warsaw on May 8, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said that the Netherlands is “drawing a line in the sand” due to Gaza’s “catastrophic humanitarian situation.” After allowing aid to cross into Gaza largely uninterrupted for much of its ongoing war with Hamas, Israel suspended deliveries in March, following the Iran-backed terrorist group’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire and release the hostages it still holds captive.
• EU Among Israel’s Largest Trade Partners: The European Union is one of Israel’s largest trading partners, regularly accounting for more than 30 percent of the Jewish state’s imports and over 25 percent of its exports. Economic ties between Israel and the European Union are governed by the Association Agreement and implemented by the EU-Israel Action Plan. Veldkamp signaled that the Netherlands would oppose extending the EU-Israel Action Plan pending an EU review of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
• ‘Siding With Anti-Israel Protesters’: Geert Wilders, the leader of the nationalist Party of Freedom that is part of the governing coalition, criticized the move, calling Veldkamp a “weak minister [siding] with anti-Israel protesters.” The Action Plan needs to be approved unanimously by the EU’s 27 members. Several EU states — including Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, and Ireland — are likely to support the Netherlands’ efforts, but Germany, Austria, and Hungary, which have been more supportive of Israel, could block any potential downgrade in Israel-EU trade relations.

FDD Expert Response

“It’s ironic that the Dutch government has chosen to undermine EU relations with Israel during a week commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory and the atrocities of the Nazis. If the goal is to restore the flow of aid to Gaza, then European governments should press for the immediate release of all the remaining hostages held by Hamas.” — Ben Cohen, Senior Analyst and Rapid Response Director

“Hamas is the biggest beneficiary of the Dutch government’s hostility toward Israel, and the Palestinian civilians are the biggest losers. Punishing Israel economically for defending itself rewards the Iran-backed terrorist group for using human shields, stealing aid, and refusing to surrender. This is yet another example of Western powers creating perverse incentives for Palestinian terrorists to hold Israelis and Palestinians hostage.” — David May, Research Manager and Senior Research Analyst

FDD Background and Analysis

“‘We Want Them to Reform Themselves’: EU to Provide Nearly $2 Billion to Aid Palestinian Authority,” FDD Flash Brief

“‘Ensure Israel’s Security’: European Nations Reject Hamas Role in Any Plan for Gaza,” FDD Flash Brief

“‘We Failed the Jewish Community’: Pro-Hamas Muslim Mob Carries Out Pogrom Against Israeli Soccer Fans in Amsterdam,” FDD Flash Brief