MADRID — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Sunday that Spain will formally ask the European Union to break its Association Agreement with Israel.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Andalusia, Sanchez said a government that violates international law and the principles of the EU cannot remain a partner of the bloc.
He urged other EU member states to support Spain’s proposal, which will be raised at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg on Tuesday.
“We are going to do it not because we have anything against the Israeli people, but because we do not agree with their government’s actions,” he said.
Sanchez also criticized the war involving Iran, calling it an enormous mistake.
He said the conflict is costing thousands of lives, displacing millions of people and causing billions of euros in economic losses.
“That is why I ask those who started the war to stop the war and to put a stop to Netanyahu,” he said, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In 2024, Spain and Ireland first called for the EU to review the agreement, which created a free trade area between the EU and Israel and includes a human rights clause.
In May 2025, the bloc agreed to review the deal.
A month later, the European Commission said it found indications that Israel may be breaching its human rights obligations but did not propose any measures.
In recent days, Madrid renewed pressure to debate the agreement alongside Ireland and Slovenia.
Source: Saudi Gazette