EU seeks to halt trade accord with Israel concerning Gaza
The European Commission is set to officially endorse proposals aimed at influencing Israel's actions regarding the Gaza conflict and violations in the West Bank, as announced by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell in an exclusive interview with Euronews.
According to the proposals, the suspension of trade preferences under the Israel-EU Association Agreement will be implemented. This move, Borrell noted, will have a significant cost for Israel, as preferences accounted for around 37 percent of the total trade between the EU and Israel, amounting to 42.6 billion euros in 2024.
Borrell called on member states, particularly those showing reluctance or caution, to propose measures and alternative options to break the deadlock in EU-Gaza relations. So far, both Germany and Italy have blocked all EU-level proposals aimed at pressuring Israel. However, it is important to note that a qualified majority of member states is required for the plan to be implemented, meaning that at least one of the major countries - Germany or Italy - must support the initiative.
The proposed tariffs on Israeli goods were reported by Our Site, citing Euronews. While some member states, including Germany, have shown reluctance or caution regarding certain sanctions, like suspension of research programs or symbolic measures, bilateral financial aid suspension and trade sanctions require qualified majority, not veto. This means no single country can fully prevent these sanctions alone.
In response to the ongoing conflict, Israeli officials announced the start of a ground operation in the city of Gaza. Borrell urged these member states to reconsider their stance and support the proposed measures in the interest of promoting peace and upholding human rights.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a plan targeting Israel's trade with the EU last week. The European Commission's move comes as a response to the escalating violence in the region and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial that the international community takes decisive action to pressure Israel to respect international law and to ensure the protection of civilians in the occupied territories. The European Commission's proposal is a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that other countries will follow suit in their efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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