European Union (EU) countries generally act contrary to the 2008 Council of Europe Common Position Paper by selling arms to Israel. It is noteworthy that EU countries do not take into account the criteria of respect for human rights and regional peace in the Common Position Paper.
Common Position Document Binding for Members
The Common Position Paper, one of the most important regulations on arms exports, encourages EU countries to increase transparency in the arms trade and to emphasize respect for human rights. However, it is known that member states do not fully comply with these rules.
Prohibits Arms Trade in Violations of Humanitarian Law
The Common Position Paper aims to prevent the use of weapons in violation of international humanitarian law. However, EU countries continue to trade in arms despite Israel’s human rights violations.
Countries Should Share Information About the Weapons They Send
The Common Position Paper encourages EU countries to share information on their arms trade with other members, but recent reports suggest this information is lacking.
Cases Filed in Local Courts of Member States
In some EU countries, arms sales to Israel are the subject of lawsuits in local courts. These lawsuits are filed due to concerns that the arms trade could lead to human rights violations.
UN Rapporteurs Call for Halt of Arms Sales to Israel
United Nations rapporteurs have stated that arms sales to Israel must be stopped immediately. This call aims to raise awareness about Israel’s human rights violations.
