Support for Dutch proposal for EU investigation into Israel

BRUSSELS (ANP) – This was stated by Minister Veldkamp after the meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers. “This is a very important and strong signal,” said Veldkamp.

Seventeen EU member states supported Veldkamp’s request, nine did not. Germany, Italy, Greece, Hungary, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Lithuania were against the investigation.

According to Veldkamp, Europe is sending a “very clear signal that we are serious. We are really very concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.” Additionally, the EU’s message to Israel is that it “must now stop the military action and completely lift the humanitarian blockade,” said Veldkamp.

“The discussion today clearly shows that there is a large majority in favor of assessing Article 2 of our association agreement with Israel,” said Kallas at a closing press conference. “So we are starting this process, and in the meantime, it is up to Israel to unblock humanitarian aid.”

Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement states that human rights and democratic principles must be respected. The investigation focuses on whether Israel is violating those conditions. That agreement provides trade benefits.

It is still unclear when the investigation will start and what the next steps will be if it is determined that Israel is violating the conditions.

(May 20, 2025)