Sweden proposes a temporary halt in certain aspects of the EU's partnership accord with Israel. - Sweden advocates for a temporary suspension of certain aspects of its EU affiliation agreement with Israel
The European Union (EU) is considering a partial suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement due to concerns over Israel's failure to meet its humanitarian obligations, particularly in relation to the situation in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories (OPT).
The EU-Israel Association Agreement, a multi-lateral agreement established in 2000, is under scrutiny as Israel is alleged to be breaching human rights clauses under Article 2 of the agreement, which obliges respect for fundamental rights.
Sweden, led by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, has been vocal in its call for the freezing of the trade component of the agreement, citing the "utterly deplorable" situation in Gaza and Israel’s failure to allow humanitarian aid. The Netherlands and Spain have also expressed support for steps towards suspension or a freeze on cooperation elements, aiming to uphold international law and hold Israel accountable for its actions in the OPT.
The European Commission has suggested suspending Israel from particular EU funding schemes, such as grants targeting start-ups under Horizon Europe, in reaction to Israel’s blockade and policies affecting Gaza. Legal analyses argue that a partial suspension of the agreement (particularly trade-related parts) might not require unanimity but rather qualified majority voting in the Council, which could make such measures more attainable politically.
However, it's important to note that the call for suspension of the EU Association Agreement with Israel is not currently supported by a majority of the 27 EU member states. The EU is Israel's largest trading partner, and the trade component of the agreement is a significant factor in this relationship.
Recent developments have highlighted growing EU concern over Israel’s failure to meet its responsibilities under the agreement and the humanitarian crisis resulting from Israel's actions. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, for instance, called on European partners to suspend the EU Association Agreement with Israel due to the "catastrophic genocide situation" in the Gaza Strip at the end of June.
Despite these calls, not all EU countries are in agreement. Sweden's Ulf Kristersson and the leader of the Moderate Party, Ulf Kristersson, have expressed opposition to suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
The Dutch Foreign Minister, Caspar Veldkamp, has advocated for a suspension of the trade part of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, aligning with the positions of Spain and Sweden, albeit with less detailed declarations.
In summary, the call for partial suspension focuses on the trade aspects of the EU-Israel Association Agreement as a form of economic pressure in response to Israel's humanitarian and legal breaches. The EU aims to use these measures to encourage Israel to comply with its human rights and humanitarian obligations, especially regarding Gaza and Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
- The European Commission's policy proposal for a partial suspension of Israel from certain EU funding schemes, such as those aimed at start-ups under Horizon Europe, is a part of the EU's cooperation policy aimed at enforcing Israel's compliance with human rights obligations, particularly in the context of the situation in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.
- The recent increase in calls for the suspension of the EU Association Agreement with Israel, most notably from Spain and the Netherlands, represents a shift in the politics of EU-Israel relations, with some EU countries viewing this action as a means of policy-and-legislation to hold Israel accountable for its actions and to uphold general-news principles of international law.
