Burak Bir
21 April 2026•Update: 21 April 2026
There was no support for proposals to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement completely or partially, the bloc's foreign policy chief confirmed Tuesday.
Speaking at a news conference following a Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg, Kaja Kallas said some member states proposed a full or partial suspension of the agreement, as well as restrictions on trade coming from settlements.
She noted that some member states expressed opposition to the proposals.
"Given that the suspension of the association agreement needs anonymity, there was no support for this needed in the room," noted Kallas.
She said, however, that discussions will continue.
Her remarks came after Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said a proposal to suspend the agreement has been shelved, and that EU members will discuss alternatives next month.
"We have a different position from Spain, because theirs doesn't seem like the right path to take. Our position is identical to Germany's," Tajani told reporters on the sidelines of a EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting.
European countries were divided on trade ties with Israel, as Spain and Ireland pushed for the suspension, while others, including Germany, expressed opposition to the idea.
“Europe will play its part in restoring the free flow of energy”
On Iran, Kallas reiterated that the EU already has sweeping sanctions in place and has reached a political agreement to widen its sanctions regime to target those responsible for breaches of freedom of navigation.
"Europe will play its part in restoring the free flow of energy and trade once the conditions allow," she added.
She also said that “daily U-turns” over whether the Strait of Hormuz is open or closed are “reckless,” stressing that transit through the Strait must remain free of charge.
“We are in agreement with our regional partners that any durable settlement must address also other issues in addition to the nuclear one, including Iran's missile programme and its continued support to terrorist groups,” Kallas noted.
The foreign policy chief underlined that ceasefire in Iran and Lebanon largely hold, but she said that they come with a rapidly nearing expiration date.
"If the fighting resumes tonight, it will come at a very large cost for all, and that is why it is important that the next round of talks happens," Kallas warned.
She added: "The EU will continue to push for improved humanitarian access, condemn illegal Israeli land grabs in the West Bank and call for Hamas disarmament."
