Barry Andrews calls for suspension of EU-Israel Association Agreement

European Parliament Member Barry Andrews has called for the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, arguing it is the most effective tool for the European Union to address Israel's policies. Andrews, who serves as the Deputy Chair of the EU Delegation for Relations with Palestine, welcomed recent decisions by several European nations to ban products originating from illegal Israeli settlements.

Andrews specifically praised the examples set by Ireland and Spain, suggesting that Ireland should follow Spain's lead by also banning the advertising of services from illegal settlements. He criticized European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for what he described as ‘extremely inadequate leadership’ and noted that countries such as Germany and Italy are increasingly isolated in their disregard for international law in the Middle East.

This call follows a joint statement from the foreign ministers of Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, announcing intentions to ban trade with occupied Palestinian territories.