Matt Carthy
Question:9. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when the EU-Israel Association Agreement is due to be renewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5050/24]
View answerWednesday, 7 February 2024
Questions (9, 13, 25)
Thomas Pringle
Question:13. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made in working with the European Commission to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement given that Israel is in flagrant breach of its obligations under the agreement (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5080/24]
View answerMatt Carthy
Question:25. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when next the EU-Israel Association Agreement is due to be renewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5737/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 13 and 25 together.
The legal basis for the EU’s trade relations with Israel is the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which entered into force in June 2000. Article 82 of the Agreement provides that it is concluded for an unlimited period, and therefore it does not require any renewal.
I advocate consistently for the European Union to more effectively use its leverage with Israel to positively influence the situation on the ground. I raised the EU-Israel Association Agreement expressly at the EU Foreign Affairs Council last December, and the Taoiseach also raised it at the European Council last week. However, it would seem that any move to suspend the Agreement would be unlikely to achieve the necessary consensus.
I understand and support calls for a more ambitious and consistent EU position. There are widely differing positions among EU Member States. Notwithstanding this reality, advocacy and leadership from Ireland does pay dividends. At the United Nations last December a clear majority of EU Member States voted in favour of an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Only two voted against.
The EU’s unwavering commitment to the perspective of a Palestinian state on the basis of the two-State solution was made comprehensively clear to the Israeli Foreign Minister at the most recent Foreign Affairs Council of the EU.
Further, the EU’s clear position on the illegality of Israel’s settlement policy provides a robust basis for the consideration of EU sanctions against extreme Israeli settlers. Discussions are already ongoing at a working level on proposals, based on strong evidence, that enjoy very broad support. This is an area where EU leverage can be used effectively.
I will continue to advocate for policies and initiatives at EU level that are both ambitious and achievable.