**Georgiou Demands End to EU ‘Double Standards’ Over ‘Genocide’ in Israel**
In a recent address to the European Parliament, Giorgos Georgiou, a member of the European Parliament representing the left-wing party Akel, called for an end to what he termed the European Union’s “double standards” regarding its treatment of Israel compared to its approach towards Russia. Georgiou accused Israel of committing “genocide” in the ongoing conflict, particularly highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank.
During the plenary session held in Strasbourg, Georgiou expressed his concerns about the escalating military actions in the region, stating, “From Gaza and the West Bank to Lebanon, Iran, and the Gulf, people are once again paying the price of military escalation.” He criticized the EU for its perceived inaction, contrasting it with the significant financial and political support provided to Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia. Georgiou pointed out that the EU has allocated €300 billion to Ukraine and imposed 20 rounds of sanctions against Russia, while merely “politely” requesting Israel to halt its settlement expansions.
“This is not simply about settlements; it is about criminal behaviour and genocide,” Georgiou asserted, urging his fellow parliamentarians to reconsider their stance. He questioned the EU's reluctance to suspend its association agreement with Israel, emphasizing that “peace is not built through more bombing and hypocrisy” but requires a foundation of justice, diplomacy, and respect for international law.
Georgiou's remarks come at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with ongoing military actions affecting civilians in Gaza and surrounding areas. He called for a more assertive response from the EU, suggesting that the bloc should take a firmer stance against what he described as Israel's aggressive policies.
The Cypriot government has previously expressed a procedural objection to the idea of suspending the association agreement with Israel, a position shared by eight other EU member states during discussions among the bloc's foreign ministers in May. Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos clarified that the objection was procedural and emphasized that the decision-making power lies primarily with the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas.
Kombos stated, “There was no question of a decision being taken by member states,” and explained that any reports informing the European Commission’s decisions would need to pass through the college of commissioners, requiring unanimous approval. He acknowledged the tragic humanitarian situation in Gaza, advocating for a change in Israel’s approach and a significant increase in humanitarian aid to the region.
Despite the procedural objections, the Cypriot government has maintained strong ties with Israel. Recently, Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited Cyprus, where he referred to Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides as a “great friend,” indicating the ongoing diplomatic relationship between the two nations.
Georgiou's comments have sparked discussions within the European Parliament regarding the EU's foreign policy and its implications for international relations, particularly in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict. His call for consistency in the EU's approach to international conflicts raises questions about the bloc's commitment to human rights and humanitarian principles.
As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, the response from the EU and its member states remains a critical area of focus, particularly in light of the humanitarian crises affecting millions in the region. The debate over the EU's foreign policy, especially concerning Israel, is likely to intensify as calls for accountability and justice resonate within the European Parliament and beyond.