Sweden’s call adds to growing pressure within the EU against Israel over its ongoing assault in Gaza, where tens of thousands of people have been killed in military retaliation against Hamas militants over their Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
On Monday, the European Commission proposed suspending parts of the EU-Israel Association Agreement involving a flagship research project, citing a “humanitarian catastrophe” that it said threatens “virtually the entire Gaza population.” The initiative was ultimately blocked at a meeting of envoys on Tuesday by Germany and three other member countries.
On Wednesday, the Netherlands also announced it advocated suspending the trade chapter of the agreement.
Commenting on Sweden’s announcement, a spokesperson for Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said “the minister welcomes that Sweden joins the Netherlands in our call.”
“We need to increase pressure on the Israeli government because they must do more to facilitate humanitarian aid. The agreement between the EU and Israel on humanitarian aid and access must be fully honored,” the spokesperson added.
The EU-Israel Association Agreement, in effect since 2000, forms the legal basis for EU-Israel relations, including preferential trade. Trade measures can be modified with a qualified majority vote among all 27 EU member states.
