Poland: Israel’s top ally in the European Parliament

Polish parties score the highest (60,27%) in the European Union in terms of average support for Israel in the European Parliament.

The report commissioned by the European Coalition for Israel (ECI) and conducted by Brussels-based research platform EU-Matrix created the first ever ranking of the national parties, political groups and countries represented in the European Parliament with regards to their support for Israel based on their voting record 2019-2022.

According to the 71 voting instances in the European Parliament, on average, Poland’s political parties scored the highest (60.27%) in the European Union in terms of average support for Israel in the European Parliament, with Italy coming in second place (59.53%), followed by Bulgaria (59.31%). On the other end of the spectrum, Israel received the lowest support from Ireland (14.61%), Cyprus (24.4%), and Malta (38.59%).

Moreover, the ECI’s exclusive report includes “national parties score”. Poland’s ruling party, Prawo i Sprawiedliwość (PiS. Law and Justice Party), secured the 19th position with 86.66 support for Israel. Two positions below, with a score of 85.93, is another Polish political party from the ruling coalition, Solidarna Polska Zbigniewa Ziobro. The Polish Partia Republikańska (Republican Party) lists on the 23rd place in the European Parliament with a score of 85.18.

On the other hand, the Polish opposition parties, Platforma Obywatelska (PO, Civic Platform), and Polskie Stronnictwo Ludowe (PSL, The Polish People’s Party), are placed on the 53rd and 54th places, respectively. Polska 2050 scores 51.85 with the 90th place. The two Polish parties closing the ranking are Sojusz Lewicy Demokratycznej (SLD, Democratic Left Alliance) on the 126th place with 24.4 and Nowa Lewica, in the last 15 European parties supporting Israel, with 19.25.

There are parties from Germany, Czechia, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and Hungary in the top 10 national parties voting in favor of Israel in the European Parliament. These are Germany’s Deutsche Zentrumspartei (100), Czech’s Občanská demokratická strana (97.69) & Svoboda a přímá demokracie (91.13); Dutch JA21 (97.55) & Staatkundig Gereformeerde Partij (92.6); Italian Lega (96.3); Spanish Vox (96.18); Swedish Sverigedemokraterna (92.6), and Hungarian Fidesz-Magyar Polgári Szövetség-Kereszténydemokrata Néppárt (90.18).

However, 10 parties ranked at the bottom of the list represent Spain, Belgium, Cyprus, Ireland, Germany, Portugal, and Sweden. These are Spanish PODEMOS (0) & Izquierda Unida (0.74) & ANTICAPITALISTAS (0.79); Irish Independents for change (1.48) & Sinn Féin (2.21); Belgian Parti du Travail de Belgique (1.48); Cyprus Progressive Party of Working People – Left – New Forces (1.5); Germany’s DIE LINKE. (2.29); Portuguese Partido Comunista Português (2.35), and Swedish Vänsterpartiet (3.7).

Conclusion & key takeaways 

The European Coalition for Israel’s report is a clear indication that there is significant support for Israel within the European Parliament, and it is heartening to see that several EU countries and political groups have consistently voted in favor of the Jewish state. It is important to note that Israel is the only true democracy in the Middle East, and it shares many of the values that are central to the European Union, such as freedom of speech, religion, and human rights.

This first report of such kind may lay a foundation for more responsible voting in the European Parliament. The fact that there is an organization, which now monitors the parties’ votes either for or against Israel, could lead to changes in future policy decisions. Now facts and numbers, rather than empty words and good PR could serve as an indicator who is, and who is not, a friend of Israel.

The report also exposes the fact that some EU countries and political groups have consistently voted against Israel, or have shown very little support for the Jewish state. This is deeply concerning, as it suggests that there are still some in the EU who are willing to overlook Israel’s right to exist as a sovereign nation, and who are prepared to ignore the grave security threats that Israel faces on a daily basis.

Finally, this report is an important reminder of the need to stand with Israel in the face of ongoing threats and challenges. As a democratic nation that shares many of the same values as the EU, Israel deserves the support of all those who believe in freedom, democracy, and human rights. The fact that several EU countries and political groups have consistently voted in favor of Israel is a cause for celebration, and we hope that this trend will continue in the years to come.

Link to full report could be found here.