The war in Gaza has placed the European Union in a difficult position. Since October 2023, Israel’s military operations have resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has indicated that Israel may be violating the Genocide Convention. Human Rights Watch has gone further, asserting that Israel is committing genocide. This is not a distant issue for the EU. Israel is an important trading partner, with bilateral trade in goods reaching €42.6 billion in 2024. Services added another €25.6 billion. Israel also participates in Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research programme, receiving over €1.1 billion in funding between 2021 and 2024. The question is straightforward: What happens when a close trading partner is plausibly accused of genocide? More specifically, can national courts compel EU member states to act when EU institutions hesitate?

A point that may have been lost on non-US audiences watching in bewilderment at the US president’s tariff decisions is the constitutional basis of trade policy in the United States. Under the US Constitution, trade policy is not a power of the President. It is rather a power of Congress, responsible for regulating 'Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes'. So, why then does the president seem able to do whatever he wants in this space? And, given the unprecedented scope of the duties that have been imposed in recent weeks: has the US president gone too far?

Facing pressure from a US president who suggests Canada become the 51st state, Canada looks to Europe for new alliances. Historical ties and shared democratic values make Europe a natural partner. However, joining the EU is not feasible or advisable. Instead, Canada should adjust its economy and infrastructure to facilitate east-west trade rather than relying only on north-south routes.

In an earlier post, I noted that the new US administration's decisions create opportunities for Europe, especially in trade. For the EU to capitalize, it must adhere to its core values of democracy and the rule of law. This is both morally right and beneficial for the EU as it now looks to become the only major trading power upholding these principles.