EU membership for Israelis and Palestinians?

[Dreamer128]

Spain is reacting positively to an idea that Israelis and Palestinians could be admitted to the European Union if they reach a peace deal. Israel's opposition leader Shimon Peres made the suggestion at talks with the Spanish Foreign Minister Ana Palacio and Palestinian cabinet minister Saeb Erekat. At the talks in the Spanish city of Toledo, Palacio told reporters that Peres' idea should be "considered and debated, because it's new and innovative."

When Peres was pressed on whether he thought full EU membership could be offered, he said there were possible variations. The news comes as the Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurie prepares for a crucial trip to Ireland, which now holds the EU presidency. He is seeking support for the campaign against Israel's construction of a wall in occupied territories.

While opposed to the building of the wall, the EU has upset Palestinians by saying this month's hearing of the case at the International Court of Justice in the Hague is inappropriate. Israel now reportedly intends to shorten the route of the barrier, and avoid encircling Jewish settlements, to try to gain U.S. support for the project.

[Source: EuroNews]

[Skunk]

It will never happen.
New entry criteria requires tying your economy to the EU, accepting the Euro as currency, accepting the EU Court of Human Rights to be superior to national courts (ouch!) etc., etc.

Besides, Israel already has a favoured trading status within the EU - so it doesn't have that much to gain...

[Timber Loftis]

Is the definition of Europe growing?

[Grojlach]

Originally posted by Timber Loftis: Is the definition of Europe growing?

*shrugs*
For some reason, Israel is supposedly a part of Europe already with cultural events - judging by their participation in European sports competitions (like football) and abominations like the Eurovision Song Festival. No idea why, but it's not all that surprising that the geographical location of Israel and Palestina isn't that big a deal.

[ 02-09-2004, 10:36 AM: Message edited by: Grojlach ]

[Timber Loftis]

I just though "Europe" by definition had geographical limits. If Turkey and the Holy Land are really a part of "Europe" at this point, I guess the Crusades are finally over.

[Skunk]

The EU is a political and economic institution based upon treaties rather than Geography.
It's just a name...

[Stratos]

Originally posted by Timber Loftis: I just though "Europe" by definition had geographical limits. If Turkey and the Holy Land are really a part of "Europe" at this point, I guess the Crusades are finally over.

There is no exactly defined limit of Europe eastwards. What about, say, Russia? Is it part of Europe as well? It has had major parts in recent historical events in Europe and a country many European nations has fought against.

[WillowIX]

Originally posted by Timber Loftis: I just though "Europe" by definition had geographical limits. If Turkey and the Holy Land are really a part of "Europe" at this point, I guess the Crusades are finally over.

Let's just split Turkey and Russia in half and let the parts inside the European geographical border join up. Representing Canada, I call for the remaining part of Russia!

Anyway, I doubt the Palestinians would be pleased to join the EU if Israel joined as well and vice versa.