Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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70.To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the ‘urgent review’ of the EU-Israel Association Agreement requested jointly by Ireland and Spain on 14 February 2024; the response from the Commission to that ‘urgent review’ request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25560/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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On 14 February 2024, then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Prime Minister Sanchez of Spain wrote to the President of the European Commission requesting an urgent review of whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Furthermore, the letter requested that the Commission propose appropriate measures for the consideration of the Council, should it find that Israel is in breach of its obligations.

This request was followed up at senior official level with the Cabinet of President von der Leyen on 12 March. It was also discussed by EU Foreign Ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council on 18 March. It was also raised by the Taoiseach, Simon Harris, when he met with President von der Leyen on 11 April. At the Foreign Affairs Council on 27 May, the Tánaiste called for an urgent convening of an EU-Israel Association Council to review Israel’s compliance with measures of the agreement.

Ireland’s position on the EU-Israel Association Agreement is just one element our efforts to shape EU policy in the context of the current crisis. It is also consistent with our overall approach, which is grounded in respect for international law. I share the assessment that the European Union can and should do much more to use the levers at its disposal to exert pressure on Israel. This will remain a priority for my continuing engagement at EU level.