The European Union may discuss additional measures toward suspending its association agreement with Israel in July if the situation in Gaza does not improve, according to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
Following a meeting with EU foreign ministers in Brussels, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that the bloc’s first goal is to “change the situation on the ground” in Gaza. Kallas said that if there is no improvement, the EU would consider “further measures” on suspending its association agreement with Israel at its next gathering in July.
Earlier, Kallas presented an eight-page review of the EU-Israel association agreement, noting “indications” that Israel may be in breach of its human rights obligations under Article 2 of the agreement. The review highlighted alleged violations including the blockade of humanitarian aid, military strikes on hospitals, and the forced displacement of Palestinians.
The meeting came amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, shortly after US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites and military facilities. Israel strongly criticized the EU’s review, with its foreign ministry stating in a letter that the report “should not be taken seriously or used as a basis for any future actions or conversations.”
Diplomats noted that while the Iran and Gaza conflicts are separate, the recent US intervention has increased uncertainty in Europe. If the situation in Gaza does not improve, Kallas is responsible for exploring options to suspend the association agreement.
A complete suspension appears unlikely due to the absence of unanimity among EU member states. However, one option discussed by ministers is the partial suspension of provisions related to free trade, research, and technology in the agreement. Kallas will work with the European Commission, which oversees trade issues, to identify options that could be approved by a qualified majority—at least 55% of member countries representing at least 65% of the EU population.
Kallas concluded, “The concrete question is what are we able to agree?”