Germany’s Merz rejects review of EU economic pact with Israel

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has firmly stated his opposition to reexamining the European Union’s association agreement with Israel, despite calls from a majority of EU countries to review it in light of the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

“An overriding or even a termination of this agreement is out of the question with the federal [German] government,” Merz declared in a Bundestag speech on Tuesday.

This stance places Germany at odds with several EU nations, like Spain and Ireland, which are advocating for an immediate suspension of the pact. The European Commission has already launched an investigation into whether Israel’s actions in Gaza may have breached its human rights obligations under the wide-ranging EU-Israel Association Agreement, which has been in force since 2000. A recent draft of the findings seen by POLITICO suggested such violations may have occurred.

Germany’s Steadfast Support

While Merz has recently offered unusually strong criticism of Israel’s offensive in Gaza for a German leader, Berlin remains one of Israel’s staunchest international supporters. This unwavering position was evident when Merz publicly defended Israel’s strikes on Iran, stating on Monday, “There is no reason for us and also for me personally to criticize what Israel started a week ago.”

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also pushed back against suspending the agreement, emphasizing that the bloc “needs good relations with Israel.”

Divided Europe and Future Discussions

Despite the divisions among EU leaders, no immediate action is expected following Monday’s discussion among foreign ministers. However, the issue is likely to resurface in their July meeting. Legal experts suggest that while suspending the entire pact may lack unanimous support, a “qualified” majority could potentially suspend the trade-related components of the agreement.

On Tuesday, Merz also called for a ceasefire in Gaza and urged “humane treatment” for its residents, particularly “the women, the children and the elderly.”