The meeting of EU foreign ministers concluded last night without a vote on concrete measures against Israel—such as suspending the Association Agreement or imposing targeted sanctions.
The discussion was initiated by the Netherlands, joined by 16 other member states, requesting to explore the option of suspending the Association Agreement with Israel, claiming that its recent actions in the Gaza Strip constitute a violation of Article 2 of the agreement: “Respect for human rights and democratic principles.” The debate was based on a document prepared by the EU External Action Service, outlining signs of severe violations of international law by Israel, including the Genocide Convention. In response to the report and at the request of EU leaders, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, drafted a list of possible sanctions.
The primary reason the ministers chose to only discuss the situation in Gaza and possible actions—without adopting concrete steps—was an understanding reached between the European Union and Israel. According to this understanding, Israel is expected to take meaningful steps in the near future to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
At a press conference following the meeting, Kallas stated that positive signs on the ground suggest implementation of the understandings and emphasized that Israel must take further concrete actions to improve the situation. The Dutch foreign minister added that the European Union intends to closely monitor Israel’s follow-through and that the option of imposing sanctions in the future remains on the table. Kallas further clarified: “The goal is not to punish Israel, but to promote a ceasefire and a hostage release deal.”
Nevertheless, despite notable criticism of Israel’s actions and the humanitarian situation in Gaza, several member states continue to oppose “punishing” Israel: Germany, Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, the Czech Republic, and Hungary.
If Israel fails to meet expectations for humanitarian improvement in Gaza—or proceeds with plans to establish a “humanitarian city,” which some legal experts view as a war crime and a crime against humanity—the European Union, or some of its member states, may choose to take punitive steps.
In summary, upon taking office, Kaja Kallas sought to open a new chapter in EU–Israel relations, following the strained ties with her predecessor Josep Borrell. However, this aspiration is likely to face serious challenges.
The meeting of EU foreign ministers concluded last night without a vote on concrete measures against Israel—such as suspending the Association Agreement or imposing targeted sanctions.
The discussion was initiated by the Netherlands, joined by 16 other member states, requesting to explore the option of suspending the Association Agreement with Israel, claiming that its recent actions in the Gaza Strip constitute a violation of Article 2 of the agreement: “Respect for human rights and democratic principles.” The debate was based on a document prepared by the EU External Action Service, outlining signs of severe violations of international law by Israel, including the Genocide Convention. In response to the report and at the request of EU leaders, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, drafted a list of possible sanctions.
The primary reason the ministers chose to only discuss the situation in Gaza and possible actions—without adopting concrete steps—was an understanding reached between the European Union and Israel. According to this understanding, Israel is expected to take meaningful steps in the near future to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
At a press conference following the meeting, Kallas stated that positive signs on the ground suggest implementation of the understandings and emphasized that Israel must take further concrete actions to improve the situation. The Dutch foreign minister added that the European Union intends to closely monitor Israel’s follow-through and that the option of imposing sanctions in the future remains on the table. Kallas further clarified: “The goal is not to punish Israel, but to promote a ceasefire and a hostage release deal.”
Nevertheless, despite notable criticism of Israel’s actions and the humanitarian situation in Gaza, several member states continue to oppose “punishing” Israel: Germany, Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, the Czech Republic, and Hungary.
If Israel fails to meet expectations for humanitarian improvement in Gaza—or proceeds with plans to establish a “humanitarian city,” which some legal experts view as a war crime and a crime against humanity—the European Union, or some of its member states, may choose to take punitive steps.
In summary, upon taking office, Kaja Kallas sought to open a new chapter in EU–Israel relations, following the strained ties with her predecessor Josep Borrell. However, this aspiration is likely to face serious challenges.