France has called for a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement amid growing concern over Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has voiced his support for reviewing the EU-Israel Association Agreement, amid growing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Speaking to France Inter on Sunday, Barrot described the situation in Gaza as dire, with residents facing starvation and a severe lack of essential supplies due to the ongoing blockade.
He emphasised that the relationship between the EU and Israel is rooted in respect for human rights and democratic principles, as outlined in Article 2 of the agreement.
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Barrot's remarks come after the Netherlands also called for an urgent review, stating that the current Israeli blockade of aid to Gaza violates the principles enshrined in the agreement.
"This is a legitimate request, and I invite the European Commission to examine it," Barrot stated, urging a critical evaluation of Israel’s compliance with Article 2.
He stressed the importance of holding Israel accountable, particularly in light of the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the Palestinian enclave, stating: "The Gaza Strip is now on the brink of chaos, collapse and famine: everyone can see that".
Trade and the occupied territories
The European Union and Israel have maintained trade and political cooperation since the EU-Israel Association Agreement came into force in 2000.
This deal facilitates economic collaboration while binding both parties to respect human rights and democratic principles.
Article 2 of the document specifically asserts that the relationship must be based on these values.
The agreement explicitly excludes products originating from occupied Palestinian territories from benefiting from preferential tariff treatment under EU law.
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This was included to reflect the EU’s stance on the legal status of the territories, ensuring that goods from areas such as the West Bank and Gaza do not receive the same benefits as those from within Israel’s internationally recognised borders.
The escalation of conflict in Gaza has intensified calls for a reassessment of the agreement.
In addition to France and the Netherlands, other EU countries – including Spain and Ireland – have raised concerns about Israel’s adherence to human rights standards.
The Dutch government, in particular, has taken a firm stance, pushing for a comprehensive EU review.
Earlier this month, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp expressed that frustration among EU member states is growing as Israel’s blockade continues to restrict humanitarian aid.
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Internal EU divisions
While some member states like Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia are advocating for stronger measures, others – including Austria, Germany, and Hungary – maintain their support for Israel.
This division has highlighted the EU’s struggle to present a unified response, particularly in the face of the humanitarian crisis and alleged genocide taking place in Gaza.
Revising the agreement could either lead to suspension or significant amendments.
If Israel is found to be in violation of Article 2, the EU might halt trade privileges, which could significantly impact Israel’s economy and diplomatic relations with Brussels, as the European Union is Israel's biggest trading partner.
Speaking after informal talks between the bloc’s foreign ministers in Poland, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas underlined: “The frustration among the [EU] member states – that we can’t stop this – is tremendous".
Last year, Ireland, Spain and Slovenia also tried to press their EU partners to examine whether Israel has broken the rules, without success, and Kallas did not appear optimistic about success on 20 May, when EU foreign ministers are due to reconvene in Brussels.
“You know very well that on certain issues we have very divergent views,” she said.
