EU Divided as Spain, Slovenia, Ireland Ask Bloc to Discuss Suspension of Israel Treaty

Spainish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno speaks at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Munich on Feb. 20, 2022. Thomas Kienzle/AFP via Getty ImagesEuropean countries, including Spain, Slovenia, and Ireland, on April 21 pushed for a suspension of a European Union pact governing its relationship with Israel, but the bloc remained divided on whether to take action.The EU–Israel Association Agreement has been in force since 2000 and is designed to provide a framework for political dialogue, develop close political relations, create a free trade area, and promote cooperation in economic, scientific, technological, cultural, and social fields. The EU is Israel’s largest trading partner, with trade in goods between the two totalling 42.6 billion euros ($50 billion) ​in 2024, according to the EU.