EU’s Due Diligence Procedures in Occupied Palestinian Territory Come Under Scrutiny

European Union’s Commitment to Human Rights Questioned

The European Union’s commitment to human rights and democracy has been called into question as concerns mount over its due diligence procedures in the occupied Palestinian territory. The controversy centers on whether the Commission will take concrete steps to ensure that companies doing business in the occupied territories do not benefit from EU funds or tender procedures.

Human Rights Organizations Urge Exclusion of Businesses

Several human rights organizations have urged the EU to exclude businesses operating in the occupied territories from its programs, citing concerns over complicity in human rights abuses and violations of international law. This includes:

• Complicity in human rights abuses
• Violations of international law
• Lack of transparency and accountability

Written Question to the Vice-President of the Commission

MEP César Luena (S&D) has pressed the Commission on three key issues:

1. Promoting UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights

How can the EU’s commitment to promoting the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights be reconciled with the presence of European businesses in illegal settlements?

2. Exclusion from Tender Procedures and Grants

Will the Commission exclude businesses operating in the occupied territories from tender procedures and grants from EU institutions?

3. System of Penalties for Complicity in Human Rights Abuses

Is it possible to introduce a system of penalties, such as excluding companies from public tender procedures and grants across the EU, for those found to be complicit in human rights abuses?

Conclusion

The question remains whether the Commission will take decisive action to address these concerns, or simply pay lip service to its commitments on human rights and democracy. The world is watching to see if the EU will truly prioritize human rights and democratic values in its actions.