MEP Maria Walsh is due to call for the European Commission to undertake an urgent review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement in light of the ongoing violation of the foundational human rights principles, in the European Parliament this afternoon.
In a letter sent to Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen by Fine Gael MEPs earlier this month, the group repeated the Irish Government’s calls for a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which was worth over €46 billion in trade last year.
Maria Walsh, MEP for Midlands-North West, will say:
“Over 6 months ago, the Irish Government called for an urgent review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Time has since passed, thousands of innocent Palestinians have been killed yet the Commission has failed to answer Ireland’s calls. It is disappointing that we are no closer now to a review than we were when Ireland, along with Spain, first called for such in February.
“The EU is Israel’s largest trading partner; 32% of Israeli imports came from EU member states, while over 25% of its exports went to the EU in 2022. Last year, the Agreement was worth over €46 billion. The EU has a significant economic lever at its disposal; failure to use it would be a failure to uphold our commitment to the protection of human lives.
“Following on from the letter sent to President Von Der Leyen, I once again urgently call for an immediate review of the Agreement. A response from the Commission to this request is needed as soon as possible. With overwhelming evidence of human rights abuses, an ever increasing death toll and hostages still in captivity, the EU must stop dragging its heels and do everything in its power to bring about a ceasefire.
“The EU’s response to this war is a defining moment for us all. What began as the world’s most successful peace project, cannot now turn its back on one of the most violent and lethal atrocities of the 21st century.”
