BRUSSELS (ANP) – Minister Veldkamp made this declaration following the meeting of EU Foreign Ministers, stating, “This is a crucial and strong message.”
Seventeen EU member states backed Veldkamp’s call for action, while nine were opposed. The countries that voted against the investigation include Germany, Italy, Greece, Hungary, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Lithuania.
Veldkamp emphasized that Europe is conveying a “very clear message that we are serious. We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.” He further remarked that the EU’s stance to Israel is that it “must cease military operations and completely lift the humanitarian blockade.”
At a closing press conference, Kallas noted, “Today’s discussion indicates a significant majority in favor of evaluating Article 2 of our association agreement with Israel.” She added, “We are initiating this process, and it is now Israel’s responsibility to allow humanitarian aid to flow.”
Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement mandates the respect of human rights and democratic principles, and the investigation will assess whether Israel is in breach of these terms. This agreement entails certain trade benefits.
The timeline for the investigation’s commencement remains uncertain, as do the potential next steps if violations are found.
(May 20, 2025)
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