Voting patterns in the European Parliament and active supporters of Israel
The EU does not always vote as one block. There are national differences and there are party political differences. Certain countries are more favorably inclined towards Israel than others. Also within the European Union there are different aspects to be considered. The Council, which consists of the governments of the members states, may be of one opinion and the other EU-institutions may be of another opinion. The European Commission initiates new legislation and is the executive arm of the European Union. The European Parliament is directly elected by the voters in the 27 member states and controls the budget of the European Union.
In this context it can be of interest to report about the voting pattern in the European Parliament over the last five years. The following statements are based on voting patterns on issues of relevance for Israel and are confirmed by most experts and observers that the editor has been in contact with.
- The Communist group (GUEN) has voted consistently against Israel.
- The Socialist group (PES) has been very critical of Israel and has voted, with a few exceptions, against Israel.
- The Green group (GREENS) is similar to the Socialists group in that they have voted against Israel though a few individual MEP:s have been in favor.
- The Liberal group (ALDE) has, generally speaking, been critical of Israel though a few MEP:s have been very strong supporters.
- The Christian Democrat / Conservative group (EPP-ED) has been the most supportive group which has mainly voted in support of Israel but also this group has its exceptions.
Apart from these major political groups, which control the European Parliament, there are few smaller party groups such as the Independence/Democracy group and Union of Europe of Nations which gather a mix of members who are critical of a federal EU. These two groups are, generally speaking, more supportive of Israel than most of the larger groups. Some of Israel’s strongest supporters can be found in these groups.
Please note that these are general patterns. Always check with your candidate where he/she stands on these issues.
Members who have been most active in the ECI during the last five years
Though this website does not aim at supporting any candidate in particular we feel it is of general interest to mention those members of European Parliament who have been most active in conferences and events of the European Coalition for Israel over the last five years and are running for re-election.
Bas Belder, Netherlands
Elmar Brock, Germany
Paolo Casaca, Portugal
Jana Hybaskova, Czech
Gunnar Hökmark, Sweden
Tunne Kelam, Estonia
Miroslaw Mikolasik, Slovakia
Hannu Takkula, Finland
Alois Peterle, Slovenia
Hans-Gert Pöttering, Germany
Marek Siwiec, Poland
Charles Tannock, United Kingdom
