Suspending part of the EU-Israel Association Agreement could be on the cards over reports the country is breaching its human rights obligations in Gaza,
Politico reports.
A leaked draft of the European Union’s list of potential measures, drawn up by the European External Action Service and seen by POLITICO, presents a series of options including the “full suspension” of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which provides for close ties on trade and other areas of cooperation.
Other proposals include the partial suspension of the pact, “i.e., the political dialogue” between Brussels and the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which would require the unanimous support of all 27 member countries.
However, the review finds, “the suspension of the trade chapter” of the agreement “would withdraw the trade preferences for Israeli products to enter the EU market and could be decided by qualified majority vote in the Council,” which would be more likely to pass.
A potential ban on all imports from illegal settlements in the West Bank would require full agreement from member states. However, the document states that individual capitals could implement this policy at the national level.
Alternative suggestions include barring Israel from EU programs for students and scientists, such as Erasmus and Horizon, or limiting technical cooperation and memoranda of understanding.
The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, was tasked with drawing up proposals following a meeting of European leaders in June, focusing on what steps could be taken against Israel despite opposition from steadfast allies like Hungary and Germany.
