Once again, the European Union has failed. Despite months of devastating violence, violations of international law, and a growing list of human rights abuses by the Israeli government, the EU refuses to impose sanctions. Even suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement appears to be too much to ask. The vested interests are too great, and the political courage too small.
A recent report by SOMO reveals just how deeply the Netherlands is entangled with the Israeli economy – not just as a market player, but as one of the most powerful financiers of the Israeli regime of oppression. Data from 2023 shows that Dutch companies invested a staggering €50 billion in Israel, accounting for two-thirds of all EU investments in the country. That makes the Netherlands a bigger investor than even the United States.
Meanwhile, trade continues unabated: between 2023 and 2024, EU exports to Israel increased by €1 billion – despite the immense humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. The EU is now Israel’s largest trade and investment partner, and, shockingly, the Netherlands plays a key role in this “genocide economy.”
We call on the Dutch government, Parliament, and all political parties with even a shred of moral conscience to take unilateral action against Israel’s occupation policies and the structural violence in Gaza and the West Bank. Summer recess or not – the time to act is now.
Tens of thousands of deaths, a completely destroyed Gaza, humanitarian aid systematically blocked. International legal experts, UN bodies, and human rights rapporteurs like Francesca Albanese have drawn a clear conclusion: Israel is committing apartheid and genocide.
Yet The Hague remains silent. No sanctions. No entry bans. No suspension of arms trade or military cooperation. The outrage and punitive measures imposed on Russia are conspicuously absent when it comes to Israel – even after over 150,000 people marched in the Netherlands demanding action. The Dutch government still refuses to take responsibility.
The Netherlands has both the tools and the duty to act
As an EU member state, the Netherlands has the legal power to impose unilateral measures regarding exports, military cooperation, diplomatic relations, and public investments. Countries like Ireland and Spain have already demonstrated that moral leadership is possible within the EU framework. In the Netherlands, however, brave words are not followed by brave actions.
We therefore call for:
- An immediate arms embargo on Israel, including technology and components that can be used for military purposes.
- A freeze on cooperation between Dutch research institutions and Israeli companies or universities involved in the occupation infrastructure.
- Active support for rulings by the International Court of Justice and the United Nations — ensuring that Israeli crimes are investigated and prosecuted, and that the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestine ends by September 18, 2025. See the Rights Forum’s campaign to demand Israel abide with international law and the international community stop their complicity in Israel’s war crimes.
- Diplomatic pressure at the EU level to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement and pursue further sanctions.
- A legally enforced boycott of products from illegal settlements — not voluntary, but mandated by law.
As long as the Netherlands continues with “business as usual”, it legitimises the oppression of an entire people. No economic or diplomatic interest can justify the systematic violation of human rights.
Parliament claims to stand for the international rule of law. Now is the time to prove it.
If the EU fails, we must make the difference
At a time when European politics is turning its back on fundamental values, the Netherlands must show the courage to stand up. The moral vacuum in Brussels cannot be an excuse for complicity. DiEM25 calls for action and invites citizens, civil society organisations, and representatives to raise the pressure.
Because those who remain silent now, are choosing the side of the oppressor.
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