Spain, Ireland, Slovenia urge EU to review Israel ties over rights concerns

Spain, Ireland and Slovenia call on the EU to reconsider cooperation with Israel, citing human rights concerns and worsening conditions in Gaza.

Spain, Ireland and Slovenia have urged the European Union to suspend or review cooperation agreements with Israel over alleged human rights violations.

In a joint letter to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, the three countries said the bloc can no longer remain “on the sidelines” as conditions worsen in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon.

Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said the countries want a formal discussion on suspending the EU-Israel agreement, arguing that Israel may be breaching its human rights obligations under the deal.

They pointed to Israel’s reported plans to expand harsh legal measures against Palestinians and warned of escalating violence in the West Bank, as well as a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which they described as “unbearable.”

The EU-Israel agreement includes a clause linking cooperation to respect for human rights, which the three countries say must now be enforced.

All three countries formally recognised the State of Palestine in May 2024, reflecting a broader shift in European positions on the conflict.

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