Spain to push EU to suspend association agreement with Israel

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has stated that his government will present a proposal to the European Union on April 21, calling for the suspension of the EU’s association agreement with Israel.

He accused Israel of violating international law and said it cannot be considered a partner of the EU, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar criticised the Spanish prime minister’s remarks on social media, saying that Israel would “not accept hypocritical lectures from someone who keeps ties with totalitarian regimes,” referring to Türkiye and Venezuela.

The EU–Israel Association Agreement, in force since June 2000, sets the framework for cooperation, including a clause on respect for human rights.

In 2024, Spain and Ireland first called for its review amid the war in the Gaza Strip.

On April 17, Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia sent a joint request to the European Commission asking that the issue be placed on the agenda of EU foreign ministers.

According to El País, Sánchez’s statement is also being viewed as part of a political strategy ahead of regional elections in Andalusia on May 17.

His Socialist Party currently holds its weakest support in the region.

A poll by the Andalusian research centre Centra suggests the party could receive around 21% of the vote and win 26 to 27 seats in the regional parliament, below its 2022 result of 30 seats.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov