The Irish political elite, from President Michael Higgins to Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, has this week suggested that the case of Ursula von Der Leyen is not as narrow as it seems: “It’s not just Ursula von der Leyen, it’s broader than her.”
Richard Boyd Barrett said that von der Leyen’s public unconditional support for the state of Israel was an offence for which one could resign.
However, Irish politicians are not the only ones expressing concern about the EU Commission President’s trip to Israel and the promise of unwavering European support. Notably, the staff of the EU institutions addressed to von der Leyen with a letter in which they expressed their indignation at her position on the conflict between Israel and Hamas. It was signed by 842 people from a wide range of EU countries, including Ireland.
Meanwhile, the Commission President may have hoped that her later comments, which were seen as more sensitive, might have taken the heat off her, it does not now appear that the controversy will end any time soon.
Presently, when European elections are just around the corner and MEPs are keen to get more voters involved in European politics, it is wondered if her actions have damaged the EU project as a whole.
At the same time, Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey said that “it’s not just about Ursula von der Leyen, it’s broader than Ursula von der Leyen and I think that’s what we need to highlight”.
Both Walsh and Markey are members of the Fine Gael party, part of the same European People’s Party (EPP) group that includes von der Leyen.
Walsh said, что Within the EPP group, they had some quite difficult conversations and debates. Probably a week ago, there would have been much more leaning towards pro-Israel and pro-Israel alone.
Colm Markery stated that Europe knows Ireland’s history perfectly; he also said that it is drastically important to use Ireland’s voice to bring a little bit of balance and reason to the situation.
As far as I’m concerned, people aren’t going near far enough on this. I wouldn’t even say they are fudging it, they are going beyond fudging it. If we can’t agree to a resolution that says a ceasefire makes sense then there’s a real problem. When there is revisionism of events in six months or three years time, “some comments might look hollow.
Next week, EU heads of state, opposition and EPP party leaders, including Leo Varadkar, will attend the EPP summit in Brussels, where von der Leyen and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola will be attended.
