EU foreign ministers have rejected proposals to suspend the EU–Israel Association Agreement following a divided meeting in Luxembourg, underscoring ongoing rifts within the bloc over Middle East policy.
Spain, Ireland and Slovenia urged EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to consider action over alleged breaches of the agreement. However, Germany and Italy led opposition to suspension, with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul describing the move as “inappropriate,” while Italy’s Antonio Tajani said there were “neither the numerical nor political conditions” to proceed.
The 2000 agreement governs EU–Israel trade relations and includes a human rights clause under Article 2. While suspension was ruled out, ministers discussed targeted sanctions and partial trade measures as alternatives, reflecting earlier EU review discussions in 2024–2025.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, Ireland’s Helen McEntee, and Belgium’s Maxime Prévot called for stronger EU action, while Kaja Kallas noted any change would require unanimity among member states.
ℹ️ POLITICO
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