Western double standards in responding to the wars in Gaza and Ukraine risk eroding the West’s credibility, Norway’s Foreign Minister (Utenriksministeren) Espen Barth Eide warned in an interview with Danish broadcaster DR, as EU foreign ministers meet in Copenhagen under Denmark’s EU Council Presidency.
Norway’s message: credibility hinges on consistent law
Eide argued that applying international law unevenly undermines the West’s standing beyond Europe.
“If we believe that international law must be respected by Russia in Ukraine, we must also believe that it must be respected by Israel in Palestine,” he said.
While noting the conflicts are different, he pointed to “clear breaches of the rules established after the Second World War” in both cases. The minister added that repairing trust requires a consistent response to human rights violations, regardless of the perpetrator.
Denmark weighs suspension of the EU–Israel trade deal
The debate comes as Denmark, holding the rotating EU presidency, pushes fellow member states to step up pressure on Israel, including exploring a suspension of the EU–Israel Association Agreement. Foreign ministers are discussing measures in Copenhagen, from targeted listings to curbs on access to Horizon Europe funding, amid continuing divisions among EU governments. The Danish Prime Minister (Statsministeren) Mette Frederiksen has signalled that Copenhagen will seek broader backing for tougher economic measures if humanitarian law breaches persist.
Global South perceptions and western double standards
According to Eide, much of the Global South perceives the West’s response as a selective, “à la carte” use of norms—firm on Russia, hesitant on Israel. With roughly one billion people living in the “West” and seven billion elsewhere, he warned that inconsistency risks weakening support for multilateral rules designed after 1945.
For European governments that “live by” an international order, credibility depends on consistent enforcement of those rules.
Nordic positions diverge on Palestine recognition
Norway officially recognized Palestine in May 2024, aligning with Ireland and Spain, and has urged stronger protection of civilians in Gaza. Denmark has not recognized Palestinian statehood and is working within the EU framework to build consensus on pressure tools short of recognition. The split illustrates differing Nordic strategies while sharing a common emphasis on upholding international humanitarian law.
What tools the EU could deploy next
Under the human rights clause (Article 2) of the EU–Israel Association Agreement, the EU can adopt “appropriate measures,” potentially including partial or full suspension of trade preferences.
Other options under discussion include targeted sanctions on individuals involved in serious abuses, restrictions within Horizon Europe (notably the EIC Accelerator), stricter product due‑diligence and labeling rules for settlement goods, and coordinated visa measures.
None of these steps substitute for diplomacy, but together they form a toolbox to align EU policy with its legal obligations.
