A recent report from a Dutch advisory body suggests that European countries should take a more proactive stance in preventing a larger conflict from erupting in the Middle East.
There has been mounting pressure on European nations to become more involved in the ongoing conflict in the region. While initially showing strong support for Israel in the wake of the Hamas-led attack on October 7, many EU countries have started to reconsider their positions. Some have even gone as far as implementing arms embargoes on Israel as the violence in Gaza continues unabated.
Criticism has been directed towards the Dutch government for what is perceived as a lack of action in response to the conflict. Calls have been made for the Netherlands to join forces with other European countries in efforts to quell the escalation of hostilities.
The potential for this idea to materialize lies in collaborative efforts among European nations to actively engage in diplomatic initiatives aimed at de-escalating tensions in the region. By working together, European countries can play a crucial role in preventing a further spread of conflict and promoting peace in the Middle East.
Presenter: Cyril Vanier
Guests:
– James Moran, Associate Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for European Policy Studies
– Emmanuel Dupuy, President of the Institute of European Perspective and Security
– Lek Takkenberg, Senior Adviser with the Question of Palestine Programme at the Arab Renaissance for Democracy & Development think tank.