The conflict and EU-Israeli relations

Since the failure of the ill-fated Oslo peace process in 2000, the European Union has conducted its bilateral relationship with Israel in pursuit of two goals: a two-state solution in Israel and Palestine and the deepening of cooperation between the EU and Israel. In theory, these two goals could be mutually reinforcing. In practice however, not only the EU’s prioritisation of cooperation with Israel has trumped its pursuit of a two-state solution, but, more seriously, the pursuit of cooperation has actively worked against the accomplishment of a two-state solution. By pursuing this policy, the EU has compromised on its adherence to its own norms and laws.