Pro-Israel stance of Von der Leyen criticised by MEP

Sinn Féin MEP Chris Mac Manus has expressed deep concern at the actions of the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola in overstepping their mandates.

The actions of von der Leyen and Metsola "are a reminder of why it was crucial that unanimity is retained on foreign, security and defence policy", according to Mac Manus.

Mac Manus said: “As an MEP I am deeply concerned by the actions of the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola. This followed an intervention by Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi who attempted to stop aid to Palestine.

“The actions of Von der Leyen and Metsola were contrary to the European Union’s stated aims and values including contributing to peace and security, the protection of human rights and the strict observance of international law. The failure to call for restraint or to call for Israel to abide by international law was completely unacceptable.

“Von der Leyen and Metsola’s actions are a crucial reminder why Ireland must ensure that unanimity is retained on foreign, security and defence policy. For Ireland to play a positive role in the wider world and in peace building it is also important that we do not cede the sovereignty that enables us to pursue an independent foreign policy.

“The European Parliament must give proper space and time for this matter to be debated. It is very serious for the European Union and its institutions to have those in such senior positions overstepping their remits and acting contrary to core aims and principles of the European Union.

“The actions of Von der Leyen and Metsola will have done untold damage to the European Union and undermine its credibility and the potential to play a role in achieving peace.”

“The European Union based on what is agreed by member’s states should be playing a leading role in an international intervention to bring about a ceasefire by all sides.

“Such an intervention is required to bring about a ceasefire by all sides, and to formulate an effective road map providing for a proper negotiations process, based upon unconditional adherence to international law and the UN Charter. A durable and just solution to the Palestinian question is the way forward. Rigorous, impartial international leadership is required and that is what the European Union Commission President and European Parliament President failed to show this week.”