BRUSSELS, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), The European Commission is set to examine a citizens’ initiative calling for the complete suspension of the European Union’s Association Agreement with Israel, amid mounting public and political pressure across Europe to reassess relations with Israel over its continuing violations of international law and human rights, particularly in the Gaza Strip.
Reuters reported on Thursday that the European Commission would review the initiative after it collected more than 1.3 million signatures, according to figures announced Wednesday.
The campaign also exceeded the minimum signature thresholds in 13 EU member states, surpassing the legal requirement of reaching the national threshold in at least seven member states.
The initiative, titled “Justice for Palestine,” is spearheaded by political groups and figures affiliated with the European Left alliance, with support from civil society organizations and pro-Palestinian movements.
It calls for the complete suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement in response to Israeli violations of international law and human rights, particularly in Gaza.
Under the European Citizens’ Initiative mechanism, the European Commission is required to examine initiatives that meet the legal requirements concerning the number of signatures collected and their geographic distribution.
The Commission must also issue an official response outlining its position on the demands and any measures it intends to take.
However, accepting an initiative for review does not automatically suspend the agreement or legally oblige the Commission to implement its demands.
The EU-Israel Association Agreement entered into force in 2000 and serves as the principal framework governing political, economic, and trade relations between the two sides.
Article 2 of the agreement establishes respect for human rights and democratic principles as an essential element of relations between the parties.
Campaigners seeking the agreement’s suspension cite this provision, saying that Israel’s continuing violations require the EU to enforce its commitments under the agreement and reconsider the continuation of its partnership with Israel.
