Ljubljana/Brussels – Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob emphasized the urgent need for the European External Action Service and the European Commission to assess and propose actions regarding Israel’s clear violations of the association agreement. Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon noted that the significant support from a majority of EU countries for the revision of this agreement marks a positive development.
“The events unfolding in Gaza are appalling, incomprehensible, and intolerable. The ongoing suffering and deaths among the Palestinian population, along with the destruction of any potential for a two-state solution, lead to a dead end and contradict the principles upheld by the international community and fundamental human rights,” Golob expressed in a statement.
Fajon highlighted that the backing of a large majority of EU member states for the revision of the association agreement, which emphasizes the importance of human rights, represents a significant advancement.
Following Tuesday’s meeting of EU foreign ministers, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas announced that the Commission would analyze the application of the second article of the association agreement with Israel. This article, primarily governing trade relations between the EU and Israel, mandates that these relations be founded on respect for human rights and democratic values.
“We aim to assist the people by advocating for the lifting of the blockade on humanitarian aid, so it can effectively reach those in need,” Kallas stated, describing the situation in the Palestinian enclave as dire.
The consequences of the Israeli blockade on humanitarian aid persisted from early March until Monday when aid was finally permitted to enter the enclave.
Among the member states most vocal in their support for reviewing the agreement were Slovenia, Spain, and Ireland, with the Netherlands also publicly advocating for the reassessment. (May 20)
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