A growing coalition within the European Union—led by Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands—is pushing for stronger measures against Israel, including targeted sanctions against Israeli ministers and a reevaluation of existing trade agreements. The initiative reflects increasing frustration over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Israel’s continued settlement expansion in the occupied territories.
Sweden and Denmark urge pressure on Israel amid humanitarian emergency
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (Moderaterna) has confirmed that Sweden is advocating EU sanctions on “extremist ministers” in the Israeli government who support illegal settlements and undermine the two-state solution.
“We will push for EU sanctions against extremist ministers who promote illegal settlements and work against a two-state solution,” she told TT news agency.
Meanwhile, Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen (Moderaterne) stressed the urgent need for immediate humanitarian access to Gaza:
“The help is ready—trucks are there—what’s needed is access. We must apply maximum pressure on Israel to allow that.”
Netherlands leads call for EU to reassess Israel’s human rights compliance
The Dutch government earlier this month requested the EU’s foreign affairs chief to examine whether Israel still complies with human rights provisions under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The agreement, in place since 2000, governs trade relations but also includes a commitment to democratic values and respect for human rights.
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp stressed the political significance of this request:
“It is crucial to signal our deep concern over the ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid and Israel’s intensified military efforts.”
Growing momentum among EU states despite internal divisions
Countries such as France, Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, and Luxembourg have joined Sweden and Denmark in calling for a tougher EU stance. The current push could lead to a broader reevaluation of Europe’s political and economic ties with Israel, particularly its preferential trade status under the Association Agreement.
Despite growing support, internal EU divisions remain. Nations like Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic have maintained a pro-Israel position, complicating efforts to reach unanimity on foreign policy decisions.
Nonetheless, prominent leaders have expressed mounting concern. France’s President Emmanuel Macron called the blockade “shameful,” while Germany’s new Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that the situation in Gaza raises “deep concern.”
A joint statement by Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned Israel’s military offensive and warned of “further concrete measures” if humanitarian access is not restored.
EU-Israel trade deal under increasing scrutiny
The EU is Israel’s largest trading partner, and the Association Agreement provides tariff-free access to most industrial products and facilitates agricultural trade. However, the agreement is conditional on shared commitments to democracy and human rights, which critics now argue are being violated.
Although a formal revision has yet to be initiated by the European Commission, pressure is mounting. EU diplomats suggest that the issue is gaining momentum behind the scenes, with more governments supporting a step-by-step approach.
As the Gaza crisis deepens and allegations of human rights violations increase, the alliance of EU countries pushing for accountability and political pressure on Israel is expected to expand.
