European Commission studying Spain and Ireland’s request to revise Association Agreement with Israel

Brussels –  Even if an actual suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement still remains far-fetched, the fact that verification of compliance with the obligations under that agreement is on the table of the EU Commission is not an insignificant political signal. After the letter sent by Spain and Ireland to Ursula von der Leyen, today’s (Feb. 15) confirmation comes directly from the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell: “We are studying the document of the two prime ministers,” he said from NATO headquarters in Brussels.

The matter is still at an early stage. The next steps in the procedure were explained by the European Commission spokeswoman in charge of foreign affairs, Nabila Massrali. “The decision to suspend an agreement is taken by the EU Council on a proposal from the High Representative or the Commission,” Massrali clarified in the daily press briefing. It would, therefore, be up to Josep Borrell to make a political assessment of the elements that exist for such a move and submit it to the EU foreign ministers. But for the agreement to actually be suspended, a unanimous vote of the 27 member countries would be required.

“I will soon be able to say something with respect to this issue,” said the head of European diplomacy. As early as Monday, Feb. 19, for example, when the EU Foreign Affairs ministerial summit is scheduled, and an item on the Middle East crisis is on the agenda—in addition to Ukraine and the likely launch of the EU naval mission in the Red Sea. “The Association Agreement is the legal basis for our ongoing dialogue with the Israeli authorities and provides important mechanisms for discussing problematic issues. Within this framework, the EU will continue to reaffirm its commitment to the applicability of international humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territories,” Nabila Massrali further clarified. But pursuing the procedure for its eventual suspension—and with it all the trade facilitation it provides—could be the leverage to force Tel Aviv to actually comply with its obligations.