The European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council has decided to review its trade and cooperation agreement with Israel due to concerns over human rights abuses and violations of humanitarian law. This decision is based on Article 2 of the EU’s Association Agreement, which emphasizes that relations should be grounded in respect for human rights and democratic principles.
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) Executive Committee has expressed support for this review. They have urged the European Commission to “take appropriate measures once the review of the agreement has been completed.”
Christy Hoffman, UNI General Secretary, remarked on the situation: “I applaud the ETUC’s call for action and the step forward at the EU is welcome news. The world is on a knife’s edge as the threat of starvation looms in Gaza. We are watching this crisis unfold in real time, and while there has been strong rhetoric to condemn the blockade and many calls to end the egregious humanitarian crisis, this move represents a long overdue concrete action.”
Additionally, Oliver Roethig, UNI Europa Regional Secretary, stated: “UNI Europa supports the ETUC’s statement on the review of the EU-Israel trade agreement. We urge the European Commission to implement appropriate actions once the review has been completed. The human suffering in Gaza needs to end.”
The full statement from ETUC Executive can be accessed for further details.
