Copenhagen – Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen announced that Denmark is prepared to impose sanctions on Israeli ministers and advocate for the suspension of the trade chapter in the European Union’s association deal with Israel. Ministers from all 27 EU member states convened in Copenhagen on Saturday to discuss the ongoing conflict and considered a proposal to halt EU funding to Israeli start-ups as an initial punitive measure, reports 24brussels.
Speaking before the EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Copenhagen, Rasmussen emphasized the need for decisive action to compel Israel to mitigate its violence in Gaza. “We are witnessing the most catastrophic humanitarian catastrophe. Israel must change its course. We should find common ground. I am not revealing a secret by saying we must change words into sanctions. Denmark is ready to suspend the trade chapter in the association agreement and put sanctions on the [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu government and some ministers in his government,” he stated.
Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares criticized the EU’s response as “too little too late,” expressing frustration over the lack of measurable outcomes regarding the situation in Gaza. He urged for increased pressure on Israel during the discussions.
Which EU states support suspending Israel’s trade agreement?
Many EU governments have vocally condemned Israel’s military actions during the conflict, particularly concerning civilian casualties and restrictions on humanitarian aid. The situation escalated after a global hunger monitor, in collaboration with the United Nations and major aid organizations, reported last week that famine conditions have developed in Gaza—an assertion Israel has contested.
Last month, the European Commission proposed limiting Israeli involvement in an EU research funding program due to the humanitarian crisis, yet this has not garnered sufficient support among member states for approval. Countries such as France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Ireland have voiced support for this measure, while Germany and Italy remain uncommitted, according to diplomatic sources.
Hadja Lahbib, the European Commissioner responsible for crisis management and EU humanitarian aid, remarked that “it is time for the EU to find a unified voice on Gaza.” While refraining from specifying the necessary actions, she stressed the imperative for increased pressure on Israel, expressing her concern about the ongoing tragedy in Gaza. “What is happening there is haunting me and should haunt all of us,” she stated, adding, “Because this is a tragedy. And we will be judged by history.”
