Spain and Ireland push for Israel sanctions, but EU nations remain deeply divided over suspending trade agreements
Flags of the European Union flying on masts. PHOTO: FILE
European lawmakers have sharply criticised the EU’s failure to suspend its association agreement with Israel, accusing the bloc of double standards and abandoning its stated values.
Speaking to Anadolu, Belgian MEPs Rudi Kennes and Marc Botenga described the decision as “a scandal” and “an absolute shame,” warning it undermines the bloc’s credibility on human rights.
Their remarks came after EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed on Tuesday that member states failed to reach a consensus on suspending or partially suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
Read More: Spain to urge EU to end Israel agreement over war: Premier Sanchez
Speaking after a Foreign Affairs Council meeting, Kallas said discussions were held on multiple proposals, including a full suspension of the agreement, a partial suspension, and possible trade restrictions targeting goods originating from Israeli settlements.
However, she confirmed that none of the proposals secured sufficient backing among the 27 member states, noting that while several countries raised the issue, others explicitly opposed it.
She added that discussions on the matter will continue in upcoming meetings, suggesting the issue remains politically sensitive within the bloc.
Deep divisions among member states
The debate has exposed long-standing fractures within the European Union regarding its policy toward Israel, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Gaza, the expansion of Israeli attacks in Lebanon, and occupation policies in the occupied West Bank.
Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia have been among the most vocal proponents of reassessing or suspending parts of the EU-Israel agreement, citing what they describe as a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in the region.
Also Read: Ireland, Spain push EU to suspend Israel deal over human rights concerns
Despite mounting political pressure, EU officials have so far refrained from adopting collective punitive measures against Israel, reflecting the bloc’s internal divisions and differing foreign policy priorities.
Other member states, including Germany and Italy, have firmly opposed suspension, arguing that maintaining diplomatic and economic channels is essential for dialogue and regional stability. “We have a different position from Spain, because theirs doesn’t seem like the right path to take. Our position is identical to Germany’s,” Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said.
‘They should be ashamed of the attitude’
Kennes described the outcome as “a scandal,” accusing EU institutions of failing to uphold international law and human rights principles. “It’s a scandal, actually, but as a member of the European Parliament, I’m used to this kind of thing,” he said.
He stressed that the EU risks losing credibility internationally due to what he described as double standards in its foreign policy. He also warned that current policies would have long-term consequences for the EU’s global standing.
Read More: Hungary PM-elect says Netanyahu must be arrested if he enters country under ICC warrant
“They should be ashamed of the attitude, because they are actually not only breaching … these international laws, but they also put a burden on future generations in Europe, who will have to answer for what is not happening today,” Kennes said.
When asked why EU leaders had not moved forward with suspension, Kennes said it reflected “pure power politics” and external pressure. “I think there’s a big lobby, and they cannot step over their own shadow,” he said, adding, “If your name is Kaja Kallas, if your name is (Ursula) von der Leyen, how … can you kiss your kids goodnight knowing that you are complicit in this kind of genocide?”
‘Absolute shame’
Botenga also sharply criticised the EU’s position, saying the bloc was failing to act consistently with its stated values. “It’s an absolute shame,” Botenga told Anadolu.
“The European Commission announced they’re going to sanction the Venice Biennale because they’re hosting Russian artists, but they are unable to sanction Israel, which is destroying villages in Lebanon, which is … doing ethnic cleansing in Palestine, which has bombed … cultural heritage also in Iraq.”
He argued that the EU–Israel Association Agreement, which is officially based on respect for human rights, is being undermined by current developments.
“It’s an absolute scandal that the European Union does not stand up, not only for its own principles, but also because officially, this partnership is based on human rights, and the partnership with Israel is clearly a lie,” he said.
Botenga further accused EU member states of placing themselves outside the framework of international legality by failing to respond to alleged violations.
