German Chancellor finds himself increasingly isolated amid EU's shifting stance on Israel

The German chancellor is becoming increasingly isolated among Europe’s major powers for declining to support a Brussels proposal to suspend EU research cooperation with Israel. The European Commission's plan to pause parts of the EU-Israel Association Agreement — citing Israel’s role in creating a “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza — has faced opposition from five member states, with Germany emerging as the most influential holdout.

An expanding group of EU countries now supports the proposal, which would represent a major departure from the bloc’s traditionally strong backing of Israel. However, Germany continues to resist. A piece by POLITICO cites several diplomats that have privately expressed growing frustration with Berlin after Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he would rather wait to see how events unfold on the ground in the coming days.

Pressure on Israel has grown significantly in recent weeks. Both France and the UK announced plans to formally recognize a Palestinian state during the UN General Assembly in September. They have called on Prime Minister Netanyahu to end hostilities and open humanitarian access. Even US President Donald Trump, long seen as Israel’s staunchest ally, acknowledged this week that Gaza is facing “real starvation,” leaving Merz increasingly out of step with key allies.

On July 28, the European Commission issued a sharply critical statement accusing Israel of violating international humanitarian law. The following day, it submitted a proposal to EU lawmakers recommending the partial suspension of Israel’s access to Horizon Europe, the EU’s primary research program. The proposed sanctions would block Israel from receiving up to €200 million in future grants from the European Innovation Council, which supports advanced technologies.

Despite the proposal, officials from Germany and Italy said they needed more time to evaluate the recommendation. Since a qualified majority vote requires the population weight of either country, their hesitation effectively stalls the process. Hungary, Bulgaria, and Czechia also oppose the plan, according to reporting by Euronews.

Explaining Germany’s position, Merz said he would wait for feedback from Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who travelled to Israel on July 31, before determining Berlin’s next steps. He also raised the possibility of aligning Germany’s stance with France and the UK after a joint fact-finding mission by the three countries’ ministers — a move that could delay any decision until the following week. POLITICO suggested that Merz’s comments may signal a softening of his stance, especially as his own coalition's Social Democrats (SPD) and segments of the opposition have begun to question Germany’s unwavering support for Israel amid worsening conditions in Gaza. A German government official confirmed that internal discussions are planned following the foreign minister’s return.

Should Berlin shift its position, it could tip the balance within the Council toward a formal EU censure of Israel, starting with Horizon Europe and potentially expanding to broader trade actions. The situation remains fluid, with sources suggesting Germany could alter its stance within days or even hours. EU ambassadors may be summoned to Brussels for an emergency vote on the Commission's Horizon proposal as early as next week.

Germany’s deep-rooted ties with Israel are evident not only in Berlin’s official policy but across EU institutions. In a notable break, European Commission Vice President Teresa Ribera criticized the Commission in a radio interview this week, accusing it of inaction.

“For months, practically every week,” the publication cites Ribera, who said she had pushed Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to adopt a firmer approach. “The Commission is a reflection of national sensibilities. Institutionally, it shouldn’t be like this — it’s meant to be independent and to represent EU interests — but the reality is that everyone brings their cultural baggage and personal beliefs.”

The article concludes by highlighting that the EU’s failure to reach consensus on what is largely a symbolic measure reveals, according to observers, the limited impact of its current diplomatic strategy.

By Nazrin Sadigova