EU commissioner does not expect key members to change positions on Israel association agreement

BRUSSELS

European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica said on Monday that she does not expect major EU member states to change their stance regarding the review of Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

Speaking ahead of the 5th EU-Southern Neighbourhood Ministerial Meeting, Suica described the meeting as "historic," will bring together all regional ministers, including the Palestinian and Israeli foreign ministers, who are both invited to participate.

"I find it very good that the Israeli minister will attend this afternoon. Same goes for Palestinian minister ... The dialog is the only way how you can make peace, it's not easy, but at the same time, we will never give up." she said.

EU officials are also set to hold separate meetings with Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian and Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Saar in Brussels, with no exact times announced.

Suica said that the review regarding to association agreement with Israel was conducted a few weeks ago and concluded that humanitarian law and fundamental rights were violated in relation to the association agreement. However, she added that at the Foreign Affairs Council on July 15, member states hold differing views.

"I cannot anticipate the discussion, but I may say that I don't expect that major member states change their position," she added.

She also said the main focus of the day will be the New Pact for the Mediterranean, which aims to deepen EU engagement in the Southern Mediterranean region.