The head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrellassured this Thursday that Brussels would decide on it “soon”. possible suspension of the Association Agreement between the European Union and Israel addressed on Wednesday by the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sanchezand the Prime Minister of Ireland, Leo Varadkarin a letter to the European Commission
“We are studying the letter from the Prime Minister and “I’ll be able to tell you something about it soon.”Borrell said this in a press statement upon his arrival at NATO headquarters, where he took part in the meeting that the alliance’s defense ministers held today with Ukraine.
Sánchez and Varadkar sent a letter to the President of the European Commission this Wednesday. Ursula von der Leyenand called on him to check whether Israel is complying with its agreements with the EU on respect for human rights in the Gaza war. Human rights.
Brussels makes it clear that it requires unanimity
For its part, the European Commission has indicated that the suspension of the agreement must be proposed by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs, a position held by Borrell, or by the Community executive itself. It also makes it clear that any decision in this regard Unanimity of 27.
At a press conference in the municipal capital, the spokesman for foreign affairs said: Nabila Masralideclared that the European executive Analysis of demand from Ireland and Spain.
According to the spokesperson, it is a question of the “political judgment” of the Member States to check whether the conditions for promoting measures under the Association Agreement are met and she reiterated that the EU has already emphasized this in all its contacts with Tel Aviv Need to respect international law in Gaza.
What the Association Agreement with Israel says
The Association Agreement with Israel, signed in 2000, regulates relations between the European Union and the country “are based on respect for the democratic principles and human rights that shape their domestic and foreign policies and constitute an essential element of this agreement.”.
It also states: “If one of the Peers considers that the other has not fulfilled any of the obligations arising from this Agreement, it may take appropriate measures.” In addition, the party that considers that the other party is not compliant, which in this case would be the EU if it chooses this path, give in “Priority” in adopting measures “will be those that least disrupt the functioning of this agreement”.
Asked about the matter, the Defense Minister said: Margaret RoblesHe did not comment on the process that is now opening in Brussels, but wanted to emphasize that “What is happening in Gaza goes far beyond the rules of martial law and clearly violates the United Nations Charter.”.
