BRUSSELS (ANP) – The ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich are at the center of the issue. The European Commission has decided to suspend financial contributions to exchange projects totaling 20 million euros. This decision will remain until Israel increases the flow of food and humanitarian aid into Gaza and commits to ensuring the viability of a two-state solution.
For the trade aspect of the EU-Israel association agreement to be suspended, a qualified majority of EU member states must agree. This requires 55 percent of the member states, representing at least 65 percent of the EU’s total population, to consent. Unanimity is necessary for the implementation of sanctions.
Member states are currently divided on this matter.
The EU serves as Israel’s primary trading partner, with 32 percent of its exports going to Europe. Israel faces import duties on nearly 6 billion euros of export products, leading to an annual cost of 227 million euros.
The European Commission has not suggested banning imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied territories, though the Netherlands is advocating for this. In late July, the Dutch government imposed a travel ban on ministers Ben-Gvir and Smotrich. Other EU nations have also enacted similar measures.
(September 17, 2025)
Leave a Reply