The European Commission has officially suspended all financial assistance to Israel, citing a significant deterioration in the human rights situation in Gaza. The decision, announced on September 17, follows a review of Israel’s compliance with the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
Under the newly implemented measures, Israel will lose access to approximately €6 million in annual funding that was scheduled for 2025-2027 through the EU’s “Global Europe” international cooperation instrument. Additionally, the suspension affects institutional partnership programs valued at roughly €14 million, including regional cooperation mechanisms between the EU and Israel.
The move comes after European authorities determined that Israeli government actions in Gaza violate fundamental human rights provisions outlined in the bilateral agreement. The Commission specifically referenced concerns about humanitarian access and the protection of civilians in the conflict-affected territory.
According to the EU’s assessment, these violations provide sufficient legal grounds for the unilateral suspension of certain agreement provisions. The decision represents one of the most substantial diplomatic responses from European institutions to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The funding suspension affects both future allocations and currently active projects, though certain humanitarian and civil society programs remain exempt from the restrictions.
