Spanish Prime Minister Calls for EU to Suspend Association Agreement with Israel

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has publicly called for the European Union to suspend its Association Agreement with Israel. He stated he would formally propose this to the EU, seeking agreement from all member nations. These remarks were made at a rally in Andalusia and reiterated on social media.

Key Statement

"The time has come for the EU to break its Association Agreement with Israel. We have nothing against the people of Israel; quite the contrary. But a government that violates international law and, therefore, the principles and values of the EU cannot be our partner. NO TO WAR."

Sánchez has previously criticized Israel's military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.

Context of the Agreement

The EU-Israel Association Agreement was established in 1995 and has been a foundation for diplomatic and trade relations. Suspending the agreement would formalize a diplomatic breach and could impact the significant trade relationship between the EU and Israel.

Related Developments

• Ireland has also criticized the agreement with Israel.
• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated last week that he urged Israel not to engage in what he described as "de facto annexation" of the West Bank.
• Five days ago, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni suspended Italy's defense agreement with Israel.