Ramos-Horta: EU democracy in the crisis-Nobel Prize-Ready!

Ramos-Horta: EU democracy in the crisis-Nobel Prize-Ready!

In a current statement, José Ramos-Horta, the President of East Timor, expressed his doubts about the credibility of the European Union (EU) regarding democracy and human rights. In a critical discourse, he questioned the moral authority of the West and condemns its double morality, while he focuses on the civilians suffering in the Gaza war. Ramos-Horta, who has run East Timor as President since 2022 and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1996, sees the EU since Angela Merkel's departure in a state of chaos and lack of leadership. Small newspaper reports that Ramos-Horta sharply criticized the EU's attitude towards the Gaza conflict, in particular the policy of Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Ruten.

He questions the moral authorization of the West to talk about the war in Ukraine, while at the same time becoming a witness to dying countless civilians in Gaza. According to the UN data, around 50,000 children in Gaza and around 2,500 children in Ukraine were killed or injured between February 2022 and November 2024. With regard to East Timor, he illustrates that murderers are being brought to trial, while Israel acts "with complete impunity".

Review of the Nobel Prize and Solidarity with Ukraine

Ramos-Horta also regretted regret that the EU nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, but speaks Spain as the most brave country in Europe. East Timor expresses solidarity with Ukraine and condemns the Russian invasion. A planned trip to Kyiv was canceled due to persistent Russian attacks.

The East Timosian President criticizes the humiliation of Russia after the Cold War and draws parallels to historical conflicts, such as the Second World War and the Cuban Crisis. East Timor has about 1.3 million inhabitants and stands in a strategically significant place in the region. Ramos-Horta is calm about China's influence and emphasizes good relationships with Australia and Indonesia.

Requirements for the human rights situation in the Gaza conflict

In response to the ongoing hardship of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip, human rights organizations have increasingly demanded that the EU meet its responsibility in the event of suspected human rights violations by Israel. These demands were also discussed in a joint statement by the EU Foreign Minister before a meeting in Brussels. Germany radio emphasizes that critical voices became the late reaction of the EU; Spain and Ireland had already asked for a review of the human rights situation in February 2024.

The EU foreign commissioner Kallas has recognized the need to review the human rights situation in Gaza, whereby the results are to be presented at the upcoming ministerial meeting. So far, however, there have been only minor reactions to international judgments, UN reports and arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court against Israel, which is accused of intentionally attacking civilian infrastructure in the Gaza Strip and blocking humanitarian aid.

EU foreign policy in focus

The EU's common foreign and security policy aims to solve conflicts and create international consensus. This policy is based on diplomacy and respect for international norms. The EU is committed to humanitarian aid, development cooperation and trade to practice its influence worldwide. The European Union has established over 140 delegations globally that represent their values ​​and interests.

The continuing discussions about the human rights situation in Gaza and the challenges of EU foreign policy illustrate that demands for a reform of EU diplomacy and a clear point of view are still on the agenda in relation to international conflicts.