European lawmakers are gathering in Strasbourg this week to participate in a series of plenary sessions covering critical policy areas, including enlargement, climate change, and air passenger rights. A central focus of the week’s agenda is the debate on the European Union’s role in the reconstruction of Gaza, scheduled for Wednesday, July 8.
This discussion follows revelations from an EUobserver investigation, which found that Israel has destroyed at least €150 million worth of EU-funded infrastructure projects across Gaza and the West Bank. The European Commission has faced criticism for failing to release over a dozen audit reports related to these projects; precise figures are unavailable given the EU commission refuses to release these reports, posing questions on transparency and accountability for European taxpayers. According to World Bank data, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza since the Hamas attacks of October 2023 has resulted in over 70,000 deaths and caused more than €30 billion in damages.
A spokesperson for the Socialists & Democrats (S&D) group stated that the upcoming debate is essential to clarify the EU’s position on the enclave’s destruction. The group intends to push for Israel to be held accountable and aims to pressure upcoming meetings of EU foreign ministers to consider cutting trade ties with the country.
In addition to foreign policy concerns, the parliament will address internal conduct, specifically focusing on the Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN) group. This far-right wing of the European Parliament, which includes members from the Alternative for Germany (AfD), has come under scrutiny following their recent behavior in the chamber. After a deportation law was passed by the parliament, several far-right MEPs were seen pumping their fists in the air and chanting “Send Them Back,” prompting calls for an investigation into their conduct.
