Madrid: Spain is set to request that the European Union terminate its association agreement with Israel, citing violations of international law. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro S¡nchez announced on Sunday that the proposal will be formally presented to the EU on Tuesday.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, S¡nchez made the announcement during an electoral rally in Andalusia. He emphasized that his government will urge the EU to reconsider its partnership with Israel, arguing that a country violating international law should not maintain a partnership with the European Union.
The EU-Israel Association Agreement, effective since 2000, includes a provision that its implementation is contingent upon adherence to human rights standards. Spain initially questioned the agreement in February 2024, when S¡nchez, alongside the then Irish Prime Minister, sent a joint letter to the European Commission. The letter called for an evaluation of Israel's compliance with its human rights obligations, particularly in light of the conflict in Gaza.
S¡nchez has since adopted a more assertive stance against Israel, especially amid ongoing tensions in Lebanon. His latest statement follows a joint letter from Ireland, Slovenia, and Spain to the European Commission, sent on Friday, urging a review of the agreement at the forthcoming Foreign Affairs Council meeting.
