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Euronews
7 days ago
- Politics
- Euronews
EU summit: Leaders meet to talk Israel, Gaza, Ukraine and sanctions
The 27 leaders of the European Union have arrived in Brussels for what is expected to be a one-day summit with a heavy geopolitical flavour, covering the Israel-Iran conflict, the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the battered state of the transatlantic alliance in the new Donald Trump era, all of which have compounded the sense of alarm and uncertainty across capitals. Tariffs, migration, competitiveness and the 2040 target under the Green Deal are also set to make an appearance during the closed-door discussions on Thursday. The summit comes two days after Trump announced a tentative ceasefire between Israel and Iran, which appears to be holding despite high tensions between both sides. The announcement was warmly welcomed by Europeans, who had worried about a dangerous spillover effect with unpredictable consequences. The cessation of hostilities will allow greater focus on another Middle East-related issue that continues to divide the bloc: Israel's war on Gaza. Last week, the European External Action Service (EEAS) presented its much-anticipated review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, finding "indications" that the country had breached its human rights obligations under Article 2. Building upon the work of international organisations, the seven-page review provides an extensive list of violations, including the blockade of humanitarian assistance, military attacks against hospitals, the forced displacement of the Palestinian population, mass arrests, arbitrary detentions and violent acts committed by Israeli settlers. Member states are split on what to do next, however: some countries advocate a concrete response, while others would prefer to take no action. The latest version of the conclusions, seen by Euronews, reflects the internal dilemma: the text simply "takes note" of the review and "invites" foreign ministers to a "follow-up" discussion in mid-July. "There has been a review that is undeniable," said a senior diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. "There will never be a consensus in the European Union to suspend the agreement. But you need to do certain things because there is a problem. There are 55,000 people dead." A diplomat from another country urged Brussels to engage in dialogue with Israel to find ways to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, but warned that "measures" might be taken in mid-July if there is no tangible progress on the ground. Orbán and Fico team up Russia's invasion of Ukraine will also occupy a great share of the political debate on Thursday, even if the Middle East has lately shifted the bloc's geopolitical focus. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to address leaders in the room via video conference to discuss the latest developments on the battlefield, his country's financial health and the urgency to step up military support. Another high-priority issue that Zelenskyy is likely to raise in his intervention is Ukraine's EU candidacy, which remains virtually frozen due to Hungary's unassailable veto. The stalemate is set to worsen after Prime Minister Viktor Orbán presents the results of a controversial national consultation that his government launched to gauge the opinion of Hungarian citizens regarding Ukraine's accession. The consultation was preceded by an incendiary campaign led by the premier himself, replete with accusations directed at "bureaucrats" of Brussels. At the same time, Orbán, together with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, his increasingly close ally, will make the case against the European Commission's proposed roadmap to phase out all imports of Russian fossil fuels by the end of 2027. Both landlocked countries still rely on Russian energy and warn that the phase-out risks endangering their energy security and raising consumer prices. Slovakia has asked for unspecified "guarantees" to cope with potential "negative impacts", a wording that some in Brussels interpret as a request for money or exemptions – or both. Complicating matters, Orbán and Fico have linked the phase-out with the approval of the next package of sanctions against Russia, which is ready to go after days of intense negotiations. Should the two prime ministers feel satisfied at the end of Thursday, ambassadors could formally approve the restrictions as early as Friday. "We want this (package) to have a direct, more decisive impact. Not just on how to put pressure on Russia's revenues and access to products, but on our immediate objective, which is a ceasefire," said a third diplomat. The sanctions, though, are all but guaranteed to lose an important element: a revision of the price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel. After the US refused to endorse the initiative at the G7 summit and the Middle East crisis caused turbulence in the oil markets, some member states got cold feet about the prospect of going it alone. As a result, the $45 cap is considered effectively dead.
Los Angeles Times
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
EU finds ‘indications' Israel is breaching key human rights agreement in Gaza
BRUSSELS — The European Union says there are ″indications″ that Israel's actions in Gaza are violating human rights obligations in the agreement governing its ties with the EU — but the bloc was divided Monday over what to do in response. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas presented a review of Israel's compliance to foreign ministers of the 27-member bloc in Brussels on Monday, leading at least one country to openly propose suspending the agreement. 'There are indications that Israel would be in breach of its human rights obligations under Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement,' according to the review by the EU's diplomatic corps, the European External Action Service, a copy of which was seen by the Associated Press. The review detailed allegations by the International Court of Justice and agencies of the United Nations that Israel had likely broken international humanitarian law in Gaza on multiple levels by cutting off life-saving food and supplies, targeting journalists, and attacking densely-populated areas with 'weapons with wide area effects.' Suspending ties would require a unanimous decision, which is likely impossible to obtain from countries like Austria, Germany and Hungary that tend to back Israel. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Monday in Brussels that Berlin is against suspension of the agreement. Other actions — such as ending visa-free travel to Europe for Israelis, sanctioning Israeli settlers in the West Bank or halting academic partnerships — could be pushed if agreed to by a 'qualified majority': 15 of the 27 nations representing at least 65% of the population of the EU. Countries like the Netherlands, Ireland and Spain have been vocal in their support for the Palestinians in Gaza as Israel battles Hamas. 'When all the focus is on Iran and the escalation regarding Iran, we should not forget about Gaza,' said Dutch foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp, who led the charge for the review. The EU review 'clearly showed that Israel has violated Article 2 of this agreement, which concerns respect for human rights,' said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. 'Consequences will have to be drawn at the next foreign affairs ministers meeting in July,' he said. Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza after Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, in which militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took another 251 hostages. About 56,000 Palestinians have since been killed, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, and relatively little aid has entered since Israel ended the latest ceasefire in March. Outrage over Israel's actions in Gaza has grown in Europe as images of suffering Palestinians have driven protests in London, Berlin, Brussels, Madrid and Amsterdam. Spain has canceled arms deals with Israel and called for an arms embargo. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno on Monday called for suspending the EU-Israel agreement. 'The time for words and declarations is behind. We had enough time,' he told the meeting. 'And at the same time, Palestinians in Gaza have no more time to lose. Every day, babies, women, men are being killed. This is the time for action.' Manuel Albares also called for an embargo on EU countries selling weapons to Israel and for the widening of individual sanctions on anyone undermining the proposed two-state solution. 'Europe must show courage,' he told journalists. Like Spain, Ireland is of the view that the Association Agreement should be suspended, Simon Harris, the Irish minister for foreign affairs, said. McNeil and Joyner write for the Associated Press. AP writer Lorne Cook in The Hague contributed to this report.
South Wales Argus
23-06-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
EU finds ‘indications' Israel is breaching trade deal with its actions in Gaza
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas presented the review to foreign minsters of the 27-member bloc in Brussels on Monday, leading at least one country to openly propose suspending the trade deal. 'There are indications that Israel would be in breach of its human rights obligations under Article 2 of the EU-Israel Associated Agreement,' according to the review by the EU's diplomatic corps, the European External Action Service. A third of Israel's imports come from the EU, valued at about £20 billion annually, while Europe imports less than 1% of its goods from Israel, according to the EU Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security. Suspending trade ties would require a unanimous decision, which is likely impossible to obtain from countries like Austria, Germany and Hungary that tend to back Israel. Other actions — such as ending visa-free travel to Europe for Israelis, sanctioning Israeli settlers in the West Bank or halting academic partnerships — could be pushed if a 'qualified majority' — 15 of the 27 nations representing at least 65% of the population of the EU — agree. Countries like the Netherlands, Ireland and Spain have been vocal in their support for the Palestinians in Gaza as Israel battles Hamas. 'When all the focus is on Iran and the escalation regarding Iran, we should not forget about Gaza,' said Dutch foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp, who led the charge for the review. Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza after Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, in which militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took another 251 hostages. About 56,000 Palestinians have since been killed, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, and little relatively aid has entered since Israel ended the latest ceasefire in March. Outrage over Israel's actions in Gaza has grown in Europe as images of suffering Palestinians have driven protests in London, Berlin, Brussels, Madrid and Amsterdam. Spain has cancelled arms deals with Israel and called for an arms embargo. Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares Bueno on Monday called for suspending the EU-Israel trade agreement. 'The time for words and declarations is behind. We had enough time,' he told the meeting. 'And at the same time, Palestinians in Gaza have no more time to lose. Every day, babies, women, men are being killed. This is the time for action.' Mr Manuel Albares also called for an embargo on EU countries selling weapons to Israel and for the widening of individual sanctions on anyone undermining the proposed two-state solution. 'Europe must show courage,' he told journalists.
Rhyl Journal
23-06-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
EU finds ‘indications' Israel is breaching trade deal with its actions in Gaza
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas presented the review to foreign minsters of the 27-member bloc in Brussels on Monday, leading at least one country to openly propose suspending the trade deal. 'There are indications that Israel would be in breach of its human rights obligations under Article 2 of the EU-Israel Associated Agreement,' according to the review by the EU's diplomatic corps, the European External Action Service. A third of Israel's imports come from the EU, valued at about £20 billion annually, while Europe imports less than 1% of its goods from Israel, according to the EU Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security. Suspending trade ties would require a unanimous decision, which is likely impossible to obtain from countries like Austria, Germany and Hungary that tend to back Israel. Other actions — such as ending visa-free travel to Europe for Israelis, sanctioning Israeli settlers in the West Bank or halting academic partnerships — could be pushed if a 'qualified majority' — 15 of the 27 nations representing at least 65% of the population of the EU — agree. Countries like the Netherlands, Ireland and Spain have been vocal in their support for the Palestinians in Gaza as Israel battles Hamas. 'When all the focus is on Iran and the escalation regarding Iran, we should not forget about Gaza,' said Dutch foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp, who led the charge for the review. Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza after Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, in which militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took another 251 hostages. About 56,000 Palestinians have since been killed, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, and little relatively aid has entered since Israel ended the latest ceasefire in March. Outrage over Israel's actions in Gaza has grown in Europe as images of suffering Palestinians have driven protests in London, Berlin, Brussels, Madrid and Amsterdam. Spain has cancelled arms deals with Israel and called for an arms embargo. Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares Bueno on Monday called for suspending the EU-Israel trade agreement. 'The time for words and declarations is behind. We had enough time,' he told the meeting. 'And at the same time, Palestinians in Gaza have no more time to lose. Every day, babies, women, men are being killed. This is the time for action.' Mr Manuel Albares also called for an embargo on EU countries selling weapons to Israel and for the widening of individual sanctions on anyone undermining the proposed two-state solution. 'Europe must show courage,' he told journalists.
Western Telegraph
23-06-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
EU finds ‘indications' Israel is breaching trade deal with its actions in Gaza
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas presented the review to foreign minsters of the 27-member bloc in Brussels on Monday, leading at least one country to openly propose suspending the trade deal. 'There are indications that Israel would be in breach of its human rights obligations under Article 2 of the EU-Israel Associated Agreement,' according to the review by the EU's diplomatic corps, the European External Action Service. A third of Israel's imports come from the EU, valued at about £20 billion annually, while Europe imports less than 1% of its goods from Israel, according to the EU Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security. Suspending trade ties would require a unanimous decision, which is likely impossible to obtain from countries like Austria, Germany and Hungary that tend to back Israel. Other actions — such as ending visa-free travel to Europe for Israelis, sanctioning Israeli settlers in the West Bank or halting academic partnerships — could be pushed if a 'qualified majority' — 15 of the 27 nations representing at least 65% of the population of the EU — agree. Countries like the Netherlands, Ireland and Spain have been vocal in their support for the Palestinians in Gaza as Israel battles Hamas. 'When all the focus is on Iran and the escalation regarding Iran, we should not forget about Gaza,' said Dutch foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp, who led the charge for the review. Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza after Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, in which militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took another 251 hostages. About 56,000 Palestinians have since been killed, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, and little relatively aid has entered since Israel ended the latest ceasefire in March. Outrage over Israel's actions in Gaza has grown in Europe as images of suffering Palestinians have driven protests in London, Berlin, Brussels, Madrid and Amsterdam. Spain has cancelled arms deals with Israel and called for an arms embargo. Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares Bueno on Monday called for suspending the EU-Israel trade agreement. 'The time for words and declarations is behind. We had enough time,' he told the meeting. 'And at the same time, Palestinians in Gaza have no more time to lose. Every day, babies, women, men are being killed. This is the time for action.' Mr Manuel Albares also called for an embargo on EU countries selling weapons to Israel and for the widening of individual sanctions on anyone undermining the proposed two-state solution. 'Europe must show courage,' he told journalists.
