Ilayda Cakirtekin
17 April 2026•Update: 17 April 2026
Spain, Slovenia, and Ireland called on the European Commission to open a debate on suspending the EU–Israel Association Agreement, Spanish outlet Cadena Ser reported on Friday.
The foreign ministers of the three countries sent a joint letter to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas demanding an urgent review of the bloc's response and decisive action amid the current situation in the Middle East, particularly Lebanon.
Voicing concern over measures adopted by Israel that contravene human rights and violate international law, the letter urged the EU to assume its moral and political responsibility by upholding its fundamental values.
The foreign ministers called on the bloc to avoid remaining silent or inactive in the face of such violations for the sake of consistency in principles and its credibility.
The letter also recalled that Israel's death penalty bill for the Palestinians constitutes a serious violation of human rights and a setback in Israel's commitment to democratic principles while aggravating the critical situation in the region.
It further welcomed the ceasefire in Lebanon but urged all parties to exercise restraint and responsibility to bring an end to the violence and attacks.
Pointing to the previous review of Israel's compliance with its obligations under Article 2 of the association agreement, the letter stressed that it was made clear that Tel Aviv was failing to meet its human rights obligations.
It further urged the EU to reconsider its response in the face of the current situation, underlining that strong and immediate measures are required with all options on the table.
