This book provides an up-to-date and meticulously researched overview of the European Union’s involvement in the Israeli–Arab conflict from 1967 to 2019. Drawing exclusively on primary sources, Persson analyzes more than 2,300 official declarations, statements, council reports, and press interviews to trace how the conflict has not only been central to the EU’s external relations but has also been pivotal in the formation of its foreign policy identity. The work identifies and explains the major policy shifts, strategic motivations, and recurring challenges the EU has faced as it sought to balance its historical ties, moral imperatives, and geopolitical interests in the Middle East.

Persson’s study reveals that the Israeli–Arab conflict has been more important to the EU than any other international dispute, serving as a test case for the EU’s ability to speak with a unified voice and to promote its vision of peace and regional cooperation.

The book charts the EU’s diplomatic journey from its first unified declarations in the 1970s, through the landmark Venice Declaration of 1980, to its contemporary strategies, including the differentiation policy regarding Israeli settlements. Persson also highlights the EU’s aspiration to play a “special,” “moral,” and “distinctive” role in the peace process, often positioning itself ahead of other international actors in advocating for a two-state solution and regional dialogue.

Organized chronologically, the book covers key moments such as the aftermath of the 1967 and 1973 wars, the Oslo Accords, the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, and the ongoing challenges posed by stalled negotiations and shifting regional dynamics. It offers critical insights into both the achievements and the limitations of EU diplomacy, making it a valuable reference for scholars, diplomats, and anyone interested in European foreign policy or the Middle East peace process