On Thursday, Sweden emerged as the latest country within the European Union to advocate for the suspension of the trade section of the EU’s association agreement with Israel, as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated,
“The situation in Gaza is utterly deplorable, and Israel is not fulfilling its most basic obligations and agreed-upon commitments regarding humanitarian aid.”
He emphasized the urgency of the matter, insisting that “Sweden therefore demands that the EU, as soon as possible, freezes the trade component of the association agreement.” Kristersson added that “Economic pressure on Israel must increase. The Israeli government must allow unrestricted humanitarian aid in Gaza.”
Growing EU pressure against Israel
Sweden’s call intensifies the mounting pressure within the EU concerning Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in tens of thousands of casualties due to Israel’s military response to Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023.
Earlier this week, the European Commission had proposed suspending specific elements of the EU-Israel Association Agreement that pertain to a major research project, citing a “humanitarian catastrophe” affecting “virtually the entire Gaza population.” However, this initiative faced opposition during a meeting of EU envoys on Tuesday, where it was blocked by Germany along with three other member states.
Support from neighboring nations
In a related development, the Netherlands also voiced support on Wednesday for the suspension of the trade chapter of the agreement. A spokesperson for Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp remarked that
“the minister welcomes that Sweden joins the Netherlands in our call.”
The spokesperson emphasized the necessity of increasing pressure on the Israeli government to facilitate humanitarian aid, insisting that “the agreement between the EU and Israel on humanitarian aid and access must be fully honored.”
The EU-Israel Association Agreement, which has been in place since 2000, provides the legal framework for EU-Israel relations, including preferential trade. Any modifications to trade measures can be enacted through a qualified majority vote among the 27 EU member states.