rki.news | Xinhua
MADRID / LUXEMBOURG: Spain has called on the European Union to send a “clear and strong signal” to Israel by considering steps toward suspending their association agreement, citing concerns over international law and human rights.
Speaking ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said Spain, along with Slovenia and Ireland, has formally requested a debate within the bloc on reassessing ties with Israel.
Albares warned that Europe’s credibility is at stake, stressing that failure to respond firmly could weaken the EU’s global standing. He emphasized that Israel must change its current policy direction and urged the bloc to act consistently with its positions on other international conflicts.
The proposal focuses on the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which governs political and trade relations and includes a clause requiring respect for human rights. Spain and its partners argue that recent developments in the Middle East justify a review under this provision.
Under EU rules, a full suspension would require unanimous approval from all member states, while partial measures, including trade-related restrictions, could be adopted with a qualified majority.