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The European Commission is launching an investigation into Israel’s compliance with the terms of its cooperation with the European Union, particularly in the field of human rights and humanitarian law. The initiative belongs to Dutch Foreign Minister Kaspar Veldkamp and has already received the support of most EU member states. This was reported by NOS.
“This is not just a political signal – it is a clear indication that Europe is seriously concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza,” Veldkamp said.
According to the head of the EU’s foreign policy service, Kaja Kallas, the investigation will focus on Israel’s compliance with the terms of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, which provides for respect for human rights as a key fundamental norm.
One of the triggers was Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, which the Netherlands considers a violation of international humanitarian law. Veldkamp said that while the investigation is ongoing, the Netherlands will block negotiations on the extension of the “action plan” for cooperation with Israel by using its veto power.
Who supported it, who opposed it?
The Dutch initiative was supported by 16 countries:
France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Austria, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Portugal and Malta.
Opposed:
Germany, Hungary, Czech Republic, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Lithuania, Croatia and Bulgaria. Latvia abstained.
The EU-Israel agreement contains Article 2, which states that bilateral relations are based on respect for human rights and democratic principles. This is also the basis for granting Israel a number of trade preferences. In case of violations, the EU has the right to suspend certain provisions temporarily or completely.
