Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called on the European Union today to respond to a joint request from Spain and Ireland to suspend the free trade agreement with Israel. This appeal comes amid concerns over Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon, which may violate the human rights clause in the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
The trade relationship between the EU and Israel is governed by the Free Trade Area Agreement, which is part of the 2000 EU-Israel Association Agreement. Israel ranks as the EU’s 25th largest trading partner and is one of its key trading partners in the Mediterranean region. In 2022, Israel accounted for 0.8% of the EU’s total trade in goods.
Meanwhile, the EU is Israel’s largest trading partner, accounting for 28.8% of its goods trade in 2022. Israel imported 31.9% of its goods from the EU and exported 25.6% to the bloc in the same year.
The Middle East has seen a sharp escalation in hostilities involving Israel, particularly in Gaza and southern Lebanon. Since early October 2024, Israeli forces have been intensifying their military operations in Gaza, including airstrikes that have led to significant civilian casualties and destruction of infrastructure. The Israeli military has also engaged in clashes with Hezbollah in Lebanon, resulting in cross-border attacks that have heightened tensions in the region.
The United Nations has voiced deep concern over the growing humanitarian crisis, urging immediate ceasefires and increased aid efforts. Israeli actions have drawn criticism from several international actors, with calls for de-escalation and adherence to international law. Meanwhile, Iran’s involvement in the conflict has further complicated the situation, with direct missile strikes against Israel, marking a dangerous escalation that threatens broader regional stability.
