In a context marked by growing geopolitical tensions and increasing scrutiny of EU external action, ASSEDEL spoke with Danilo Della Valle, Member of the European Parliament for The Left and member of the Committee on International Trade, who also works closely with the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Human Rights.
During the interview, MEP Della Valle reflected on current trade priorities, the link between trade and human rights, and what he described as persistent inconsistencies in EU foreign policy.
Trade Measures and the Russian Gas Ban
MEP Della Valle highlighted recent discussions within the International Trade Committee on the proposed ban on Russian gas imports by 2027. He described the file as complex and stressed the importance of ensuring that such measures do not disproportionately impact European businesses and households without delivering tangible results in addressing Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Trade, Human Rights, and Institutional Silos
On the relationship between trade and human rights committees, he acknowledged that cooperation remains limited. However, he underlined the need for stronger coordination, particularly in contexts where economic instruments directly affect human rights, citing examples such as EU relations with Egypt and microfinance initiatives.
Double Standards in EU External Policy
MEP Della Valle offered a critical view of EU trade relations with authoritarian states, arguing that the Union has yet to clearly define its true objectives in foreign policy. He warned that visible double standards—particularly in the EU’s differing approaches towards Israel and Russia—risk undermining the credibility of European values on the global stage.
Western Sahara and EU–Morocco Relations
The conversation concluded with a discussion on the EU–Morocco trade agreement and Western Sahara, following an oral question addressed to the European Commission after recent rulings of the Court of Justice. At the time of the interview, no response had been received, which Della Valle suggested reflects the political sensitivity of the issue and Morocco’s privileged economic position in EU relations.
ASSEDEL, based in Strasbourg and committed to the promotion of human rights and European values, continues to follow and shed light on developments that shape the future of European democracy and international relations.
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