As his term as High Representative for Foreign Affairs of the European Union nears its end, Josep Borrell has continued to draw criticism for his long-standing hostile stance toward Israel.
The King of Jordan and the EU's chief diplomat met on Thursday in Amman © X
As his term as High Representative for Foreign Affairs of the European Union nears its end, Josep Borrell has continued to draw criticism for his long-standing hostile stance toward Israel.
Over the years, Borrell has faced accusations of bias in his handling of Middle Eastern affairs, and his recent actions have only intensified these concerns.
On Thursday, Borrell welcomed the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant against the Israeli prime minister. He called on all states to enforce the mandate, a move likely to further strain relations between the EU and Israel.
Regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Borrell has repeatedly referred to the situation as a "massacre." However, his critics point out his lack of acknowledgment of the Hamas attack on October 7, which resulted in the killing of 1,200 Israeli civilians, including children, and the abduction of hostages, who remain in captivity. This omission has fueled accusations of selective condemnation in his rhetoric.
Honored in Amman
While in Amman, Borrell received the Great Cordon of the Order of Al-Kawkab Al-Urduni from King Abdullah II of Jordan, a symbolic gesture that aligns with his active engagement in the region. However, his critics argue that such honors contrast sharply with his controversial legacy as Europe’s top diplomat.
Borrell’s tenure as High Representative has been widely criticized in Brussels, where he is seen as having failed to bring cohesion and effectiveness to the EU's foreign policy. Many in the European diplomatic circles view his record as disastrous, with strained international relations and inconsistent approaches to global crises marking his time in office.
As the Spanish Socialist prepares to step down, his actions and statements in his final days have left a bitter taste for many observers, particularly in the context of his handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. For his detractors, his departure signals a much-needed opportunity for a reset in EU foreign policy leadership.
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