Spain on Tuesday urged the European Union (EU) to send a strong signal to Israel by considering steps toward suspending their association agreement over concerns about international law and human rights.

Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, made the call ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg.

He said Spain alongside Ireland and Slovenia, had formally requested a discussion within the bloc on the matter.

“Europe’s credibility is at stake. If we fail to send a clear and strong message to Israel to change its policy, we risk losing that credibility,” Mr Albares said.

The minister noted that the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which governs political and trade relations, contains provisions requiring respect for human rights.

He stressed that recent developments in the Middle East justify a review of the agreement under those provisions.

Mr Albares also called for consistency in the EU’s response to global conflicts, noting that the bloc has taken firm positions on situations in Ukraine and Sudan.

He warned that applying different standards in Israel’s case could undermine the EU’s global standing.

Under EU rules, a full suspension of the agreement would require unanimous approval by member states, while partial measures, including trade-related restrictions, could be adopted by a qualified majority. 

(Xinhua/NAN)