EU to propose options paper on Israel over Gaza next week
Now, the EU's diplomatic service (EEAS) is expected to present an options paper with possible measures to the bloc's ambassadors next Wednesday, according to officials familiar with the discussions.
The options paper is expected to include a full or partial suspension of the agreement, sanctions on individuals such as Israeli government ministers, military personnel or Israeli extremist settlers, trade measures, an arms embargo, or a suspension of scientific cooperation between the two.
While most of those options have been floated in previous talks, this is the first time they are being formally laid out in writing.
EU foreign ministers are set to discuss the options paper at their 15 July meeting in Brussels – the last before the summer break.
The same day also serves as an informal deadline for Israel to demonstrate improvements in Gaza's humanitarian situation. Israel has slammed the EU review as "outrageous" and "full of methodological shortcomings."
'The first goal is to change behaviour on the ground (...). If the situation does not improve, then we can discuss further measures," the top EU's diplomat, Kaja Kallas, told reporters last month.
In recent weeks, an EU technical team led by the bloc's Middle East envoy, Christophe Bigot, has been sent to Israel to negotiate with the Israeli side, though officials remain sceptical about securing concrete commitments.
"We still hope that there can be some sort of deal with them," an EU official confirmed.
While Brussels has presented the review as a tool to alleviate civilian suffering in Gaza, EU countries said last month they remain deeply divided on whether to follow through with actual sanctions.
EU leaders, wary of inflaming tensions, have so far avoided signalling any firm position, merely inviting foreign ministers to 'continue discussions on a follow-up' depending on developments on the ground in Gaza.
A full suspension of the association agreement – or even a partial freeze of its foreign policy provisions – would require unanimous approval from EU states, which remains very unlikely given opposition from key allies such as Germany, the Czech Republic, and Hungary.
The Commission, which is responsible for the bloc's trade policy, is also thought to oppose sweeping economic measures.
An arms embargo appears likewise remote, particularly as Germany, Israel's largest European arms supplier, is unlikely to sign off.
Nonetheless, targeted sanctions on individuals, such as those already imposed by the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway, are seen as the most politically feasible option, EU diplomats say.
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The EU is expected next week to lay out a range of around five possible measures against Israel over its conduct in Gaza, though the bloc's deep divisions suggest that few, if any, will be adopted. An internal EU review of Israel's trade agreement with the bloc, seen by Euractiv last month, had found "indications of a breach" of the human rights commitments outlined under the deal. Now, the EU's diplomatic service (EEAS) is expected to present an options paper with possible measures to the bloc's ambassadors next Wednesday, according to officials familiar with the discussions. The options paper is expected to include a full or partial suspension of the agreement, sanctions on individuals such as Israeli government ministers, military personnel or Israeli extremist settlers, trade measures, an arms embargo, or a suspension of scientific cooperation between the two. While most of those options have been floated in previous talks, this is the first time they are being formally laid out in writing. EU foreign ministers are set to discuss the options paper at their 15 July meeting in Brussels – the last before the summer break. The same day also serves as an informal deadline for Israel to demonstrate improvements in Gaza's humanitarian situation. Israel has slammed the EU review as "outrageous" and "full of methodological shortcomings." 'The first goal is to change behaviour on the ground (...). If the situation does not improve, then we can discuss further measures," the top EU's diplomat, Kaja Kallas, told reporters last month. In recent weeks, an EU technical team led by the bloc's Middle East envoy, Christophe Bigot, has been sent to Israel to negotiate with the Israeli side, though officials remain sceptical about securing concrete commitments. "We still hope that there can be some sort of deal with them," an EU official confirmed. While Brussels has presented the review as a tool to alleviate civilian suffering in Gaza, EU countries said last month they remain deeply divided on whether to follow through with actual sanctions. EU leaders, wary of inflaming tensions, have so far avoided signalling any firm position, merely inviting foreign ministers to 'continue discussions on a follow-up' depending on developments on the ground in Gaza. A full suspension of the association agreement – or even a partial freeze of its foreign policy provisions – would require unanimous approval from EU states, which remains very unlikely given opposition from key allies such as Germany, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. The Commission, which is responsible for the bloc's trade policy, is also thought to oppose sweeping economic measures. An arms embargo appears likewise remote, particularly as Germany, Israel's largest European arms supplier, is unlikely to sign off. Nonetheless, targeted sanctions on individuals, such as those already imposed by the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway, are seen as the most politically feasible option, EU diplomats say. (mm)
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European Union Next rounds of EDIP technical talks tentatively scheduled for 11, 15 and 17 July; no political trilogues scheduled before September Council EU-Moldova Summit, 4 July, including to 'take stock' of security and defence cooperation ECOFIN Council, 8 July, approve 15 EU countries to activate the national escape clause to increase deficits by 1.5% of GDP each year over the period 2025-2028 to spend more on defence Political and Security Committee, 8-9 July Coreper II, 9 July The Danish Council presidency updated its schedule to move a defence council gathering from 11 November (Armistice Day) to 28 November, and added a second ministerial, 6 October The Agenda of António Costa will be available here European Commission EU Stockpiling Strategy, 8 July, presentation by Commissioner for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness Roxana Mînzatu Andrius Kubilius attends the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, 10-11 July. Agendas of Commissioners will be available here European Parliament Plenary, 7-10 July, with EU defence chief Andrius Kubilus on 7-8 July and a presentation of the Commision's Stockpiling Strategy to MEPs on 9 July. You can find the full agenda here NATO US Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli hands over role of NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) to US Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, 4 July The Capitals Emmanuel Macron in the UK, 8-10 July, on a state visit where he will discuss the two countries' relationship on defence at the 37th Summit co-chaired by UK PM Keir Starmer Macron and Starmer will also hold a 'Coalition of the Willing' meeting in the UK on 10 July Other events EESC Public debate on Defence-related investments in the EU budget, 4 July, watch here CSIS event – Denmark's role in European and Transatlantic Security, 8 July, watch here RUSI webinar – Addressing the persistent threat to subsea cables, 10 July, watch here Thank you for reading, Firepower was brought to you by Euractiv's defence team, with additional reporting from Maximilian Henning and Nicoletta Ionta. You can find the rest of our coverage here. We want to hear from you: tell us what you think and what you know! We're at defence@ and each team member is available at Have a nice weekend.
