The European Union, beset by severe fiscal problems and the mass influx of migrants, and faced with rising anti-EU sentiment in the UK, Poland, and elsewhere, no longer seems to have a certain future. Israeli policymakers, writes Manfred Gerstenfeld, must consider the possible effects of its demise or transformation:
A total break-up of the EU has both advantages and disadvantages for Israel. Rather than dealing with the EU, nominally representing 500 million citizens, Israel would then have to deal with many smaller countries. This may be beneficial when such countries attempt to meddle in Israel’s internal policies, [since they would no longer have] the power of a supranational body behind them.
However, if the EU does disintegrate completely, countries such as Sweden—which is ruled by an anti-Israel government dominated by social democrats—may embark on more extreme policies toward Israel when not bound within the EU to seek compromise. Although the absence of an EU may make it easier to face off against the Swedes, very undesirable precedents may be created.
In the light of all this a shrinking of the EU’s power and competencies without an actual breakup would probably be best for Israel.
Read more on Jerusalem Post: http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Is-a-break-up-of-the-EU-good-for-Israel-445274