EU plans sanctions on Israeli ministers, mulls suspension of trade agreement
The European Union is weighing unprecedented measures against Israel, including sanctions on far-right ministers and a partial freeze of its trade agreement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Wednesday.
In her State of the Union address to the European Parliament, von der Leyen said the humanitarian crisis in Gaza had “shaken the conscience of the world,” adding that the Commission would push forward with proposals even amid internal EU divisions.
According to a July policy paper, one option under review is the suspension of the trade chapter of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which currently grants Israeli exports preferential access to the European market.
The EU is Israel’s largest trading partner, responsible for almost one-third of its international goods trade last year.
Such a suspension would require a qualified majority vote, support from 15 of 27 member states representing at least 65% of the bloc’s population, a threshold diplomats say remains difficult given deep disagreements among member capitals.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed Tuesday that a sanctions package had been prepared, though unanimous agreement among states has so far proved elusive.
Germany’s stance is expected to be decisive, with Berlin publicly signaling it is “not yet convinced.”
Von der Leyen also revealed plans to freeze bilateral support to the Israeli government, while maintaining engagement with civil society groups and Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial center.
Meanwhile, the Commission intends to launch a Palestine Donor Group in October, with funding mechanisms earmarked for Gaza reconstruction.
EU plans sanctions on Israeli ministers, mulls suspension of trade agreement
