A partial suspension would require 15 of 27 member states; a full suspension requires unanimous approval.
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
European Union member states on Tuesday rejected a proposal to suspend ties with Israel, blocking a push led by Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia during a meeting in Luxembourg.
The proposal sought to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which has been in force since 2000, amid concerns raised by some countries over the war in Gaza, recent strikes in Lebanon, and actions in Judea and Samaria.
However, opposition from several member states, including Germany and Italy, prevented the measure from advancing.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said there was insufficient support among member states to move forward with suspension.
“I didn’t see a shift in positions in the room regarding suspension,” she told reporters after the meeting, adding that discussions on EU-Israel relations would continue.
Under EU rules, suspending parts of the agreement would require a qualified majority of 15 out of 27 member states representing at least 65% of the EU population. A full suspension would require unanimous approval, a threshold that was not met.
Ahead of the meeting, Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares called for discussions on the issue, saying, “Europe’s credibility is at stake.”
Germany and Italy both opposed the proposal. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described the move as “inappropriate” and emphasized the need for continued engagement.
“We have to talk with Israel about the critical issues,” he said at the start of the meeting. “That has to be done in a critical, constructive dialogue with Israel,” Wadephul said. “That is what we stand for.”
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also pushed back, indicating no immediate action would be taken.
The outcome leaves the EU-Israel Association Agreement in place, with member states remaining divided over how to address relations with Israel moving forward.
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