Is BDS movement spreading across Europe?
Despite a lack of funding and solid organizational backing at home, the Palestinian diaspora in Europe has increased its activities and is winning ever stronger support, costing Israel more in economic losses and international status by the week.
The European Commission's decision to label products from Israeli settlements in the occupied territories is the latest step by the international boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel, established in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip in 2005.
The Nov. 11 EU decision is the result of the combined efforts of different groups, including Palestinians in Europe. Palestinian institutions — such as the Palestinian Assembly in Germany, the Coordinating Council to support Palestine in Austria, the Palestinian Justice Center in Sweden, the Palestinian Forum in Belgium and others — are still working to strengthen ties with EU decision-making circles, be they the European Parliament, universities or others.
