Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 May 2026
17. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the communications she has had with Spanish counterparts about their call to end the EU-Israel Association Agreement due to Israel’s violation of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and escalating violence in the West Bank; if she plans to support the Spanish call to break the EU-Israel Association Agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38224/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland and Spain first called for a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement in February 2024. We were among the Member States that supported a Dutch-led initiative in May 2025, which led to a review of Israel's compliance with Article 2 of the Association Agreement. It was clear from the finalised review that Israel is in breach of its human rights obligations under the Agreement.
In advance of the April 2026 Foreign Affairs Council, together with my Spanish and Slovenian counterparts I wrote to the HR/VP requesting a discussion of the EU-Israel Association Agreement at the next meeting of Ministers. The Ministers of all three countries called for the suspension of the Association Agreement at that time, or at a minimum action on the proposal by the European Commission to suspend the trade elements of the Association Agreement.
At the Foreign Affairs Council on 11 May, Ireland again called on EU partners to re-consider the proposal to suspend the trade-related provisions of the Association Agreement. Ireland also requested that the Commission bring forward a proposal to prohibit trade with Israeli settlements on the basis of EU Common Commercial Policy, for decision at the June Foreign Affairs Council.
Ireland and Spain have worked closely together both within the EU and at the international level on the Israel/Palestine conflict. Both countries worked as Co-Chairs of the Working Groups that prepared the UN High-Level Conference on the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in July 2025, and both countries are active participants in meetings of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.
Ireland will continue to work with all of our international partners, including EU partners, to implement the two-State solution based on 1967 borders, with the State of Israel, and an independent, contiguous, sovereign, and viable State of Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security and mutual recognition, with Jerusalem serving as the future capital of both states.
