Spanish Prime Minister Calls for Immediate Suspension of EU Partnership Agreement with Israel

Strategic Insights -

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has made a landmark call for the European Union to immediately suspend its partnership agreement with Israel, citing the Israeli government's alleged "genocide" against civilians in the Gaza Strip. Sanchez delivered his demands in a speech to the Spanish Parliament, where he sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, describing its actions as "among the darkest chapters of the 21st century." This call for suspension comes after Spain, alongside Ireland, formally requested an assessment of Israel's compliance with the partnership agreement in February 2024, specifically referencing Article 2, which requires respect for human rights. Sanchez emphasized that despite this request, the EU had yet to take practical action.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Union's partnership agreement with Israel, signed in 1995, has been put into question by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez due to alleged human rights violations by Israel.
  • Sanchez cited a report by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, dated June 23, which found evidence of Israel violating Article 2 of the partnership agreement, which requires respect for human rights.
  • Spain, along with Ireland, requested an assessment of Israel's compliance with the partnership agreement in February 2024, specifically focusing on Article 2.
  • Despite this request, no practical action has been taken by the EU regarding Israel's alleged violations of the partnership agreement.
  • The EU-Israel Partnership Agreement came into effect on June 1, 2000, after ratification by the parliaments of the EU member states, the European Parliament, and the Israeli Knesset.
  • Sanchez criticized Netanyahu's government, describing its actions as "among the darkest chapters of the 21st century" and emphasized that those who violate human rights cannot be partners of the European Union.
  • Sanchez emphasized that hunger in Gaza is being used as a political tool by the Israeli government, leading to a labeling of this situation as a "genocide" against civilians.

Statistics:

  • The EU-Israel Partnership Agreement was signed in 1995.
  • The partnership agreement came into effect on June 1, 2000.
  • February 2024: Spain and Ireland requested an assessment of Israel's compliance with the partnership agreement, specifically focusing on Article 2.
  • June 23: EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas issued a report finding evidence of Israel violating Article 2 of the partnership agreement.

Sources:

  • Qatar News Agency, July 11, 2025
  • Reference to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas' report: dated June 23