Background
The war in Gaza has fueled divisions across Europe, with calls for the EU to pressure Israel mounting as civilian casualties rise. Previous attempts to restrict Israeli access to EU research funding failed due to lack of consensus among member states.
What Happened
According to Reuters, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday that she will propose sanctioning extremist Israeli ministers and partially suspending the EU’s association agreement with Israel. The move would curb Israel’s trade preferences with the EU, which is Israel’s largest trading partner.
Why It Matters
If implemented, suspending trade benefits would mark one of the EU’s toughest measures yet against Israel, directly targeting its economy. However, approval requires a qualified majority of EU governments, making the outcome uncertain given divergent views among member states, particularly Germany.
Stakeholder Reactions
Von der Leyen said: “What is happening in Gaza has shaken the conscience of the world.” She pledged the EU would pause bilateral support for Israel but continue engaging with civil society and Holocaust memorial institutions. Diplomats note Germany remains unconvinced, a key factor for whether the sanctions plan can advance.
What’s Next
The Commission plans to establish a Palestine Donor Group next month to coordinate Gaza reconstruction efforts. The fate of the sanctions proposal will depend on whether von der Leyen can rally enough EU capitals behind her plan.
with information from Reuters
