It can, of course. EU is Israel's biggest trading partner (32% of imports, 26% of exports in 2022). The key to using this leverage lies in Article 2 of EU-Israel Association Agreement. The AA is the basis for EU-Israel relationship, esp. trade on preferential terms. - ThreadSky

martinkonecny.bsky.social • 18 days ago

It can, of course. EU is Israel's biggest trading partner (32% of imports, 26% of exports in 2022).

The key to using this leverage lies in Article 2 of EU-Israel Association Agreement.

The AA is the basis for EU-Israel relationship, esp. trade on preferential terms.

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martinkonecny.bsky.social•18 days ago

Art. 2 is the human rights clause, similar as in most EU agreements with third countries. It says the Agreement is based on "respect for human rights & democratic principles" which is an "essential element" of it. Moreover, preamble says UN Charter principles form "the very basis" of it.

martinkonecny.bsky.social•18 days ago

Violation of Art. 2 provides basis for EU to take "appropriate measures" - code word for suspending parts or all of the agreement.

This isn't theory. Since 90s, EU has used human rights clauses to impose such measures in at least 25 cases around the world, mainly Africa.

martinkonecny.bsky.social•18 days ago

One year ago, following the ICJ order warning of a risk of genocide in Gaza, Spain and Ireland wrote to @vonderleyen to act on the human rights clause in the EU-Israel agreement and propose appropriate measures. To this day she hasn't responded. https://www.lamoncloa.gob.es/lang/en/presidente/news/Paginas/2024/20240214-letter-to-eu-commission.aspx

martinkonecny.bsky.social•18 days ago

Suspending the full Association Agreement would require unanimity of all member states. But suspending the trade provisions - the key part - only requires qualified majority. And as a first step, a simple majority of member states can force the Commission to table such proposal.

martinkonecny.bsky.social•18 days ago

Even this is a tall order given EU disunity. But that doesn't prevent @kajakallas and some EU FMs from playing this card at the AC with Israel on Monday.

They can invoke Art. 2 and raise prospect of action on that basis. If they want Israel to pay attention, it's the only way.

martinkonecny.bsky.social•18 days ago

At the AC meeting, EU will recite many appeals to Israel: to uphold Gaza ceasefire, allow return of displaced Gazans, halt settlements, demolitions & violence in West Bank, lift econ. restrictions on PA, allow access to holy sites, media access to Gaza, respect Syria buffer zone, etc.

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