Spain’s FM says Spain will call on suspension of EU Israel association agreement
(MENAFN) Spain’s Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares, announced that Spain will urge EU foreign ministers to “immediately suspend” the EU-Israel association agreement and impose a ban on arms sales to Israel, citing serious human rights concerns in Gaza.
The trade relationship between Israel and the 27-member EU bloc, valued at around €68 billion ($73 billion), is governed by an agreement signed in 1995. The EU stands as Israel’s largest trading partner, accounting for about one-third of its international trade.
Speaking to reporters before an EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels on Monday, Albares stressed the need for urgent action, stating, “this is the time for action,” and argued that ongoing human rights violations in Gaza demand a decisive European response.
“If the Association Agreement is based on human rights, it’s the most normal thing that we suspend the Association Agreement immediately today,” he said.
The minister outlined his formal demands: suspending the deal, imposing an embargo on arms sales to Israel, and extending sanctions against individuals seen as obstructing a two-state solution.
Spain’s position mirrors growing unease in Europe, with countries like the UK, France, and the Netherlands also considering trade and arms restrictions on Israel in recent months. In May, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas noted a “strong majority” of member states favored reviewing the agreement.
This shift, coming from one of Israel’s traditional European supporters, coincides with an escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and increasing frustration in Brussels over Israeli actions.
According to a leaked document from the EU foreign policy service seen by reports ahead of the meeting, Brussels has found “indications” that Israel may be violating its human rights obligations under Article 2 of the EU-Israel association agreement.
The internal document, prepared for EU foreign ministers, cites findings from the International Court of Justice, the UN human rights office, and other UN bodies but clarifies that these do not constitute “a value judgment” by EU officials.
The review was reportedly initiated last month by 17 EU member states led by the Netherlands amid rising concern about Israel’s conduct in Gaza. EU officials were tasked with evaluating whether Israel’s actions conform to the agreement’s requirement for “respect for human rights and democratic principles.”
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