In her annual State of the Union address on September 10, 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a series of measures targeting Israel in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. These measures include a partial suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, sanctions on extremist Israeli ministers and violent settlers, and a pause on bilateral support to Israel.
The EU-Israel Association Agreement, established in 2000, serves as the framework for political dialogue and economic relations between the two parties. Von der Leyen’s proposal to suspend trade-related aspects of this agreement aims to address concerns over Israel’s actions in Gaza, which she described as having “shaken the conscience of the world.” She emphasized that “man-made famine can never be a weapon of war” and called for an immediate ceasefire. ([euronews.com](https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/09/10/von-der-leyen-announces-suspension-of-eu-payments-and-trade-partnership-with-israel?utm_source=openai))
In addition to the suspension of trade preferences, von der Leyen announced plans to sanction extremist Israeli ministers and violent settlers, reflecting the EU’s condemnation of policies perceived as undermining the two-state solution. The Commission also intends to halt bilateral support to Israel, while maintaining engagement with Israeli civil society and institutions like Yad Vashem. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/33209cb0-d7b2-43d8-af27-e16a0557786c?utm_source=openai))
The European Parliament has expressed support for these measures, with a resolution backing the suspension of the trade agreement and sanctions against extremist ministers. The resolution, passed with 305 votes in favor, 151 against, and 122 abstentions, underscores a significant shift in the EU’s stance toward Israel. ([elpais.com](https://elpais.com/internacional/2025-09-11/la-eurocamara-respalda-la-propuesta-de-von-der-leyen-de-suspender-el-acuerdo-comercial-con-israel.html?utm_source=openai))
However, implementing these measures requires a qualified majority among EU member states, a challenging prospect given internal divisions. Countries like Germany and Italy have historically been reluctant to support punitive actions against Israel, complicating the path forward. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/eu-commission-chief-says-she-will-propose-new-measures-targeting-israel-2025-09-10/?utm_source=openai))
Israel has strongly criticized the proposed measures. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar labeled von der Leyen’s comments as “regrettable,” asserting that such actions strengthen Hamas and the radical axis in the Middle East. He emphasized that the suffering in Gaza is the result of Hamas’s actions and accused the European Commission of yielding to pressures that undermine Israel-Europe relations. ([euronews.com](https://www.euronews.com/2025/09/10/not-acceptable-conduct-between-partners-israel-says-as-eu-announces-halt-to-all-payments?utm_source=openai))
The European Commission’s proposals mark a significant development in EU-Israel relations, reflecting growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the broader implications for regional stability.