UK's Potential EU Return Could Increase Pressure on Israel
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
A new report suggests the United Kingdom could rejoin the European Union within a single parliamentary term, potentially increasing European pressure on Israel regarding settlements in Judea and Samaria. Public opinion in the UK shows growing support for EU re-entry, with political figures like Prime Minister Andy Burnham open to reconsidering Brexit's consequences. While European leaders like Emmanuel Macron and Pedro Sánchez have reacted positively, the process involves complex legal procedures and unanimous member consent. A UK return could significantly impact Israel's diplomatic and economic relations with Europe, especially if London continues its tougher stance on settlements.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A UK return to the EU could happen within one parliamentary term, increasing European pressure on Israel.
- A recent YouGov poll shows 52% of Britons now support rejoining the European Union.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called for a national discussion on reconsidering Brexit's consequences.
- Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband previously announced plans for economic restrictions on Israeli settlements.
- French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez have welcomed discussions on UK-EU relations.
Political shifts in the United Kingdom could lead to intensified European pressure on Israel, particularly concerning settlements in Judea and Samaria. A new report suggests the UK might rejoin the European Union much sooner than anticipated, potentially within a single parliamentary term if London and Brussels reach a political agreement. This potential rapprochement could create additional diplomatic and economic challenges for Israel, especially given the UK's recent hardening stance on settlements.
The report, published by the pro-European organization Best for Britain and cited by the Financial Times, argues that fears of lengthy negotiations for the UK's return to the EU are exaggerated. The study posits that the UK's economic ties and legal framework, which still largely align with EU standards post-Brexit, could expedite the process. Finland's accession in the 1990s, completed in under three years, is cited as a precedent.
Public opinion in the UK appears to be shifting, with a YouGov poll indicating 52% support for rejoining the EU, compared to 27% against. Notably, over a fifth of those who voted for Brexit in 2016 now reportedly favor rejoining. The issue has gained political traction following statements by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who suggested reconsidering the referendum's consequences and promised a national discussion on future relations with Brussels, citing economic damage from current EU agreements.
This initiative has garnered positive reactions from European leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. However, rejoining the EU would necessitate a formal application under Article 49 of the EU Treaty, negotiations on 35 areas of EU law, and unanimous consent from all member states. Issues such as the Euro and Schengen Area membership would also need resolution, though the report suggests these are manageable, citing existing EU members with separate currencies.
For Israel, a UK return to the EU could amplify its impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The UK recently announced stricter policies on settlements in Judea and Samaria, including potential economic sanctions on settlement goods and related businesses, as stated by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband. While the UK affirmed Israel's right to self-defense and pledged measures against Iran and Hezbollah's economic structures, a more unified European stance, potentially influenced by a UK seeking to further restrict settlements, could complicate Israel's relations with European nations.
The report itself does not signify an imminent decision, as a UK return to the EU requires significant political backing, negotiations, and unanimous member state approval.