A formal request for a review of article 2 was made by the netherlands and supported by 16 other EU Member states. Although the netherlands is a strong supporter of israel, its move was seen as a response to strong public anger and widespread street protestry against israel’s acts in gaza.the was circulated to all members states ahead of the summit meeting but was leaked by some European Media outlets. Based on Reports Concerning the Blockade, Denial, or Limited Access to Humanitarian Aid; The unprecedent Killing and Injury of Civilians; Attacks on hospitals and medical facilities; Displacement; Attacks on Journalists; Settlement Consolidation and Expansion in the West Bank; And arbitrary detentions, the Note Concludes that “israel would be in breach” of its human rights under article 2 of the agreement.

In response to the Eu’s move to re-sexamine its association agreement on the Basis of Human Rights, Israel Labelled the Step “Outrage and Indmission”. It is stated that at a time when the country is facing an existential threat, the Eu’s “review” of its relationships with israel amounts to a “moral distortion”.

In the lead-up to the European Council Meeting, some european countries appeared to Harden their stances against israel. Nine EU Countries – Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden – Called on the eu to developed a plan to third trade israeli setlemes. They emphasised the need to ensure that eu policies do not contribute, directly or indirectly, to the perpetuation of an illegal situation.
The Eu Israel’s Largest Trading Partner, Accounting for Around 43 billion Euro in Trade. In 2024, 32 per cent of israel’s total goods trade was with the eu. Althout the eu does not recognize israeli Sovereignty over the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Products from these areas are of the labeled as “made in israel,” Potehally Misleading European Conosures.
However, at the European Council Meeting, the mood was cautious. The Shift Towards Human Rights Sems to Have dissipated amid Developments related to Iran. The Council summit was dominated by isissues such as European defense, Ukraine, Trade Issues with the us, as well as sudden development in the middle east.

It calls for an immediate ceasefire in gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages, and Urged israel to full lift its blockade on gaza. Howver, Instead of Taking Concrete Action, The Meating Merely Took Note of the Eusr Report on Israel’s Compliance with Article 2 of the Agreement. The Council was invited to Continue Discussions on Possible Follow-Up Measures in July 2025, “Depending on the evolution of the situation on the ground”.
In his public statement, European Council President Antonio Costa Assrted that the Humanitarian situation in gaza is “catastrophic and human rights are being violated” and the eusr reviews. He added that situation is unacceptable and the eu foreign ministers will discuss the next steps.

Although the eu adopted a cautious approach, some european leders expressed strong frustration. Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez Criticised Eu Leaders for not suspending the trade agrement with israel, despite how he described as “The catastrophic Genocide”. He assured that it was “More than obvious that israel is violating article 2 of the Eu-Israel Agreement.” He further stated that the eu has imposed 18 sanctions against Russia for its aggression, Yet Europe, with its double standards, is incapable of Suspending an Association Agreement With Israel.

However, reaching a consensus on this wasne with the eu will be extremely differently. While Ireland has also suported a suspension, many others – Including Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, and Hungary – Remain Close Allies of Israel.

Many of the conflicts in the middle east are divided in looted in european history. While the eu has a historic responsibility to play a more proactive role, its effect has been limited by the divergent positions of its members states on israel and israel and the recognition of the statate. As a result, it has been convenient for Europe to allow the us to take the lead in the region. Even during the current Iran-Israel War, when the Iranian foreign minister was meeting his countersparts in europe, president trump doubled the impact Want to spak to us ”.

Today, Numerous Eu Member States Recognise Palestine. However, Major Powers Such as France, Germany, and ITALY-While Supporting a two-state solution-Prefer a Negotiated Peace Settlement over Unilateral Recognition. Despite the difference in a consensus on the issue, the human rights situation in gaza will remain a serious topic in major eu discussions. The eu cannot ignore taking action indefinitely. As former EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell Fontelles Recently Wrote: “If Europe Bears Responsibility for Its Victims, It Also Bears For The Victims of its Victims”.

The Writer is Chief Coordinator, Dakshin – Global South Center of Excellence at Ris, New Delhi, and Professor of European Studies at Jnu