The European Union has begun a formal review of its trade agreement with Israel as European nations grow increasingly concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The review marks a turning point in EU-Israel relations, with member states growing bolder in their criticism of Israeli actions.
Dutch Leadership Takes Europe in New Direction on Israel
The Netherlands, once a steadfast ally of Israel within the European bloc, now demands an urgent revision of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp has written to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas requesting this review. The move comes as a shock given the Netherlands’ historical position.
Veldkamp, a former ambassador to Israel, did not mince his words in his assessment.
He describes the Israeli blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza as "catastrophic, really lamentable" and a clear breach of international humanitarian law.
The Dutch have taken a firm stance. Their government will veto any extension of the EU-Israel action plan, the implementing agreement for the Association Agreement that came into force in 2000.
France Backs Dutch Call for Accord Review
French backing adds weight to the Dutch initiative.
Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has called the Netherlands’ request “legitimate” and urged the European Commission to examine the matter.
Barrot pulls no punches when discussing the situation in Gaza.
“Palestinians in Gaza are starving, they are thirsty, they lack everything, and the Gaza Strip is today on the brink of chaos and collapse due to famine,” he states.
His comments highlight a growing frustration within Europe.
Barrot notes that voices even within the Jewish community express concern over what he terms the "incomprehensible attitude" of the current Israeli government.
Article 2 Becomes Central to European Concerns
At the heart of this diplomatic shift lies Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
This clause stipulates that relations between the EU and Israel "shall be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles."
Multiple European nations now question whether Israel’s actions in Gaza breach these terms.
The Dutch minister has requested "an examination of Israel's compliance with Article 2 as soon as possible."
Non-governmental organisations have repeatedly urged the divided EU to take a firmer position.
Yet no measures to suspend the agreement were taken at the EU’s meeting with Israel in February.
EU Ministers Set to Meet on Israeli Agreement
European Union foreign ministers will hold formal discussions on the demand to review the EU-Israel pact later this month.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has confirmed these talks for 20 May.
“The frustration among the EU member states, that we can’t stop this, is tremendous,” Kallas tells reporters after chairing informal talks between the bloc’s foreign ministers in Poland.
Slovenia joins those backing the Dutch position.
Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon believes "the world has clearly failed on the test of humanity" and calls for more serious action against "a clear violation of international law and humanitarian law."
Deep Divisions Remain Within European Bloc
Despite growing calls for action, the EU remains deeply split on its approach to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Austria, Germany, and Hungary back the Israeli position. Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia have shown vocal support for Palestinians. This division has hampered EU efforts to present a united front.
Such splits are nothing new. Last year, Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia attempted to press their EU partners to examine whether Israel had broken the rules.
These efforts failed, and Kallas appears pessimistic about success in the upcoming May talks.
"You know very well that on certain issues we have very different views," she acknowledges.
Netanyahu Priorities Under European Scrutiny
European officials now openly question Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s priorities in the conflict.
The Dutch foreign minister suggests a ceasefire offers the most effective path to securing hostage releases.
“Criticism is growing in Israel against the Prime Minister, because he doesn’t give enough priority to freeing the hostages, and he has now stated himself that he doesn’t give this absolute priority, but gives priority to fighting Hamas,” Veldkamp observes.
While Veldkamp insists Hamas must release hostages and lay down arms, his criticism of Israeli tactics cuts to the bone.
"I have no illusion that Hamas will ever respect international humanitarian law, but from a democracy like Israel, yes," he states. "Democracies fight differently."
U.S. Politics Complicates European Position
The timing of Europe’s potential policy shift comes days before Donald Trump travels to the Middle East for his first major international visits since his inauguration.
Trump has not criticised Netanyahu’s strategy thus far.
This adds another layer of complication to an already thorny diplomatic situation.
European powers must weigh how their stance might affect transatlantic relations at a delicate moment.
Trade Relationship Hangs in the Balance
The European Union stands as Israel’s largest trading partner. Any revision or suspension of the Association Agreement would carry real economic weight.
Israel defends its Gaza blockade as necessary pressure to secure the release of 59 hostages still held by Palestinian militants.
Israel claims the siege serves to compel Hamas to free these captives.
Meanwhile, aid groups face empty warehouses and no way to replenish supplies. One leading organisation has shut its community soup kitchens as the situation deteriorates.
Broader Geopolitical Implications of EU Review
This potential shift in EU policy toward Israel represents more than a bilateral disagreement.
It speaks to a broader European discomfort with the conflict’s direction and Israel’s tactics.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares insists that "it's more important than ever that the voice of Europe raises against what is happening right now in Gaza."
He emphasises that the EU “will never accept the displacement of people” from Gaza.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Europe can overcome its internal divisions to present a coherent response.
For now, the Dutch call for a review has cracked open the door to a potential thorn in Europe-Israel relations.
As Veldkamp puts it, “I say this as someone who feels close to Israel, and as a former ambassador, this is not a sustainable policy for Israel, and it is time to work for peace.”
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