Dubai (Monitoring Desk) Serious disagreements have surfaced among European countries over the possible suspension of trade and cooperation agreements with Israel.
According to Arab media, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia have proposed suspending the agreement; however, Germany and Italy have opposed the move, effectively blocking the process.
Amid the ongoing situation in Gaza and the West Bank, international criticism has increased, where thousands of Palestinians have been killed since 2023. However, the European Union appears unable to adopt a unified stance on the issue.
Reports suggest that the agreement, implemented in 2000, provides Israel with easier access to European markets and reduced tariffs, while the trade volume between both sides reached billions of euros in 2024.
Sources indicate that a partial suspension of the agreement could impact Israeli exports worth billions of euros.
The agreement includes compliance with human rights as a fundamental condition, and there are growing calls for its review on this basis. Public pressure across Europe has also led to millions of signatures in favor of suspension.
Experts say that differing historical and political positions among European countries are the main reason for the divide; however, unanimous approval from all member states is required to suspend the agreement, which currently appears unlikely.
