EU halts imposition of sanctions against Israel - EU-Israel sanctions being delayed by Germany
The European Union (EU) is currently facing a stalemate in its decision to impose sanctions on Israel due to the ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip. Germany and several other EU countries, including Austria and Hungary, are blocking the proposed sanctions, prioritizing humanitarian aid and cautious assessment[1][3][5].
The EU Commission has formally proposed suspending parts of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which includes Israel’s access to Horizon Europe research grants, as a response to Israel’s actions in Gaza[2][5]. However, consensus among all EU member states is lacking, with Germany, Austria, and Hungary being cautious and slowing down or outright blocking the sanctions.
Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz has emphasized humanitarian aid, dispatching Bundeswehr aircraft to Gaza for aid drops, but has refrained from endorsing the suspension of trade or research agreements[2][5]. The lack of unanimity among member states is a significant challenge, as EU sanctions require agreement from all member states, and Germany’s resistance has been pivotal in blocking sanctions from advancing[1].
Other challenges include balancing humanitarian concerns with political ones. Germany and others argue for continuing humanitarian aid and want to assess the situation before escalating punitive steps, emphasizing the risks and effectiveness of aid delivery methods[1][3]. Additionally, the political sensitivity surrounding Germany's traditional support for Israel complicates swift action, even amid widespread international criticism and reports of war crimes and famine in Gaza[1][3].
Cross-party MEPs have publicly called for a firm EU stance with sanctions and suspension of trade deals, citing breaches of international law by Israel, while some smaller member states have already imposed measures like travel bans on Israeli extremist ministers[4].
The Committee of Permanent Representatives will discuss further steps upon progress. The sanctions proposal is still under discussion, and further steps are yet to be determined[1]. After the Brussels meeting, many delegations expressed their support for the sanctions initiative to increase pressure on Israeli authorities and improve the situation on the ground[1].
The EU Commission's recommendation is a significant development in the ongoing discussion about sanctions against Israel, citing thousands of civilian deaths and a rapidly rising number of cases of severe malnutrition, particularly among children, in the Gaza Strip[1]. The EU Commission has recommended partial suspension of Israel's participation in the Horizon Europe research funding program as a response to the humanitarian crisis[1].
The responsible working group of the Council of Member States will now address technical questions regarding the sanctions proposal. For the sanctions proposal to be implemented, 15 of the 27 EU states must agree, representing at least 65% of the population of the participating member states[1]. The situation remains dynamic, and German positions may evolve pending developments on the ground[1][2][3][5].
References:
- Euractiv
- Deutsche Welle
- Al Jazeera
- The Guardian
- Reuters
- The EU Commission's recommendation for suspending parts of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, including Israel's access to Horizon Europe research grants, is a policy-and-legislation issue under discussion in the European Union, with many MEPs advocating for firm action due to breaches of international law by Israel.
- The ongoing stalemate in the decision to impose sanctions on Israel by the EU is not just a matter of politics; it's also a general news story, with the EU Commission citing thousands of civilian deaths and a rising number of cases of severe malnutrition, particularly among children, in the Gaza Strip.
